Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has dismissed doubts over Cristiano Ronaldo's season form.

Zidane is confident that, like last season, Ronaldo will end the campaign in top form.

"I think Cristiano deserves more respect, he's so great that when things don't come off it's normal for people to talk about him," the coach stated at his pre-match press conference.

"Those who love Cristiano, and the club, know what he is doing.

"A short time ago, last year, he had a phenomenal season. We are halfway through this one, there are still six months to go.

"Six months is a very long time with Cristiano."