5 worst matches for Zinedine Zidane as manager of Real Madrid

Talk about the unexpected. Zinedine Zidane announced his departure from Real Madrid today, and it was totally out of the blue. He lead Los Blancos to three Champions League titles, one La Liga and five other trophies in less than three years. And then resigned? That's not how it works Zizou.

His decision has surprised everyone but now the plaudits are rolling on and deservedly so. The Frenchman was brilliant at the Santiago Bernabeu and only a few can match his trophy haul.

However, hidden beneath the numerous victorious nights are some nights Zidane would like to forget. He endured some bad games as a coach arguably due to some tactical naivety. For all his success, critics have pointed out his inadept tactical nous on some occasions.

On that note, here are 5 moments during his tenure Zidane would like to forget.

---

#5 Levante 2-2 Real Madrid, 2018

Distraught Real Madrid players post match

Real Madrid could manage only a third-place finish this term in the La Liga. The Champions League winners finished with a 17-point deficit to eternal rivals and eventual winners Barcelona.

This game was yet another nail in the coffin of Real's faltering domestic campaign. The reigning champions were already 15 points behind leaders Barcelona at this point.

The game was on terms for a large part, then Isco scored late on to put his side ahead. However, Levante replied, netting a late equaliser to punish Real. Zidane's decision to take off Cristiano Ronaldo for Asensio was questioned as they dropped points yet again.

The Spanish media believed that Zidane could receive the sack, as a round of 16 tie with PSG loomed nearby and Real were lacking confidence and belief. In hindsight, this may sound overblown but at the time it was an uncomfortable time for Zidane.

#4 Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona, 2017

Barcelona dominated Real on their own patch

This Clasico was vital for Real's title hopes last season. A win for Barcelona would have sent the Catalans 14 points clear, effectively ending any title race. And that is what happened.

Zidane sacrificed Isco's creativity and started Mateo Kovacic alongside Casemiro to control the midfield. Kovacic was particularly tasked to smother Lionel Messi.

This plan backfired as Barcelona won 3-0 quite comfortably. Ivan Rakitic ambled through the Real midfield with no one to stop him as Messi cleverly diverted Kovacic away. The move led to the first goal and Barca did not look back. Another counter-attack saw Dani Carvajal handle in the box. Penalty, red card, game over.

This game effectively was Real's surrender of their title and Zidane failed to do anything on the day to stop it.

#3 Tottenham 3-1 Real Madrid, 2017

Zidane could do nothing as his counterpart outsmarted him

Real Madrid went into this game as clear favourites due to their European pedigree but Spurs absolutely destroyed them. The scoreline may not suggest that but Zidane's men were second best in every aspect on the night.

Spurs played their aggressive pressing game and Zidane and Madrid has no answers. They had taken a 3-0 lead and could have had many more before Real scored a late consolation.

Mauricio Pochettino deployed a high line and his side pressed relentlessly. Madrid struggled to keep possession and the game slipped out from their hands. Zidane could have introduced the likes of Marco Asensio to exploit Spurs' high line but he persisted with Isco until it was too late.

This demoralising defeat occurred just after a similar loss at the hands of lowly Girona. Definitely a week to forget for Zidane.

#2 Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona, 2017

Messi's goal was a dagger to Real hearts

Going into this match, Gareth Bale was coming off an ankle injury. However, he was thrust straight into such an intense match from the get-go. The gamble did not pay off for Zidane, as the Welshman limped off in the first half.

To compound matters, Sergio Ramos received a red as Real trailed 2-1. Oh, and they needed to win the match otherwise Barcelona would go top of the league. Just stressing the magnitude of the game.

Despite being a man down, Zidane did not bring on a defender and made an attacking change. In what was a crazy game, James Rodriguez equalised to kind of (?) justify Zidane's substitution.

However, not content with a draw, he pushed his side to attack despite being a man down. A draw would have sufficed for Real in the circumstances. Ultimately Barca struck on the counter through Lionel Messi (surprise surprise) to win the game and shock Real.

In the end, Real scraped through to win the league but Zidane almost shot himself in the foot there.

#1 Copa del Rey loss against Leganes, 2017

Leganes defeated a faltering Real side

Real won the first leg of the quarter-final 1-0 and they were overwhelming favourites to get the job done at the Bernabeu. Everyone expected Leganes to bow out with a whimper, but something different unfolded.

Zidane put out a second string side as the likes of Marcos Llorente started. Leganes took the lead in the first half and their resolute display put the cat among the pigeons. Real did equalise through Karim Benzema but Leganes struck again, going ahead in the tie on away goals.

The Bernabeu was shocked and the late changes failed to alter the scoreline. Boos ringed out at the fulltime whistle. This was arguably the lowest Real had sunk under Zidane. 19 points behind leaders Barcelona and knocked out by a relegation contender in the cup at home.

After the match, he said that this was his worst moment as a manager at Real. Hard to argue, isn't it?

---

Where do you think Zinedine Zidane faltered as a manager? Did we miss any such match in our list? Sound off in the comments below!