Zinedine Zidane Insists Issue Between Karim Benzema & Vinicius Jr Has Been 'Cleared Up'

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has claimed there's 'no problem at all' between Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr and all issues have been resolved, after the striker was caught on camera telling teammates not to pass to the winger.

Los Blancos found themselves 1-0 down at half time in the Champions League against Borussia Monchengladbach last time out, and were struggling to find a way back into the game. As the Madrid squad prepared to come back out for the second half, Benzema was recorded talking to teammate Ferland Mendy, telling the left-back not to pass to Vinicius as he's 'playing against' the team.

It has been said the striker apologised to Vinicius in training on Thursday, explaining his actions, and their differences have now been put to the side. Indeed, Zidane has attempted to cool the situation even further by explaining that there are no issues between the pair, while also suggesting that Benzema's actions were actually good as it showed the passion within the team.

"That's all been cleared up. It's important for players to speak among themselves, it's not an issue," Zidane told the press (via Real Madrid's official website) ahead of his side's home clash with Huesca on Saturday.

"Those kinds of things always come out on the pitch but that's where they stay. We need to conserve our energy for other things. It's good to see these kinds of things happening because it shows we care. They have spoken and everything is fine, there's no problem at all.

"They all trained brilliantly and the key thing is to focus that energy on tomorrow's game...I've had similar things said to me. I'm not saying it just to smooth over a problem, but it's something that happens often, it's completely normal.

"The important thing is for them to discuss it together and move on the next day. I know the public and the press love seeing these things but I can tell you it will happen more often. It shows the character of this team."

Zidane further alluded to the fact that heat-of-the-moment comments - such as the remarks Benzema made to Mendy - have always been a part of the game, but it's only now being recognised because TV cameras are picking up on it.

He added, as quoted by The Mirror: "Things like Benzema and Vinicius have always happened but they stay on the field. The only thing that has changed is that there are many cameras.”

The situation now appears to be resolved, but the latest controversial incident only further pushed Real towards a state of crisis. Benzema's remarks came after Isco was put on Zidane's 'black list' for his comments - which were also caught on camera - about his boss' decision making.

Los Blancos have failed to win either of their opening two Champions League games, although they did manage to fight back from 2-0 down to pick up a point against Gladbach on Tuesday.

Zidane will be keen to see his squad take a step back in the right direction on Saturday by putting in a confident and dominant display against a Huesca side who haven't exactly made a bright start to the campaign.