Zinedine Zidane's decision to bench James Rodriguez for the Madrid derby away to Atletico Madrid came as a surprise to many, especially as the Colombian had been one of Los Blancos' best players in the early part of the season.
Instead, Fede Valverde took his place in the starting line-up, a footballer with more defensive characteristics rather than a player with the talent and attacking mindset of James.
The decision was unexpected for a number of reasons. The first was that James did not start against Osasuna in midweek, with the thought being that he would then start away at Atleti on Saturday night. That clearly wasn't the case.
Then there is Zidane's continuous praise of James, with the Frenchman doing his all to show his happiness with the playmaker's hard work since returning from a two-year loan at Bayern Munich.
James started the matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla - performing well in both games, particularly in an attacking sense - yet Zidane clearly did not think he would suit playing against Diego Simeone's charges, despite his clear ability going forward.
It was Zidane's conservatism that hurt Real Madrid most on Saturday night, which is the likely the case after their 7-3 humiliation against Los Rojiblancos in pre-season, and that is why James did not start.
Now, it remains to be seen whether James being dropped was an isolated incident or not, but things could get more difficult for the 28-year-old as Luka Modric has recovered from his injury.
Of course, James has earned the right to get minutes with Real Madrid in LaLiga Santander and the Champions League, but he will have to hope that Zidane's conservatism doesn't hinder him in the future.
Rodzed
117
Valverde has playing the during the match so Zidane was right to not start james he is not good in defence and we needed someone to help Casemiro and that young did it good decision for zizou!! Hala Madrid
Sozekr
59
Zidane is the only main coach of Real Madrid so let him manage his team according to his vision. you forget that he has a lot of games and he must well burst sss players. briefly calm down
wibklmou
58
Against Club Brugge, my opinion on our line up: sub: Brahim Diaz in for James Rodriguez, Luka Jovic in for Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes in for Vinicius Junior; unused sub: Courtois, Varane, Odriozola, Valverde. All substitutions between 50th and 60th minutes...
vinelmopz
51
zz needs to start making plays for center on Bale and stop with this bs performances with here today gone tomorrow from Bale. Bale should always be a threat and not a maybe now or never. when Cr7 was here the plays always went his side. no reason that Bale shouldn't be afforded the same, we need all to be involved.
micheal11011
51
James is now doing great I think Zidane need to give him more time is going to improve more and more
riddhi10
50
Kroos should be rested now he has been playing a lot both for Germany as well as for real... modric would have to take his place for few games so that james retains his spot in the eleven
jeznstuy
43
zidane he dose not know how good is James and bale he as good good players the problem he does not know how to use them if he knows how to use them he will see how good are they
raeklmpry
42
James is a great talent.. better than many players out there in Madrid. James should leave madrid, hes wasting his precious years. Madrid is shrewd, they buy good players, too many off them and waste them in the bench. which makes them not play for other clubs.
InzuTkk
34
Really surprised.... What is zidane want... real Madrid need good attacking players in starting like james obviously... because Hazard and bale in very poor form..... i thik 4.2.1.3 is the best combination.. where James play AMF...