Marcelo Stunned By Substitution In Madrid Win

Marcelo’s withdrawal in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Girona came as a surprise to the veteran left-back, who said he did not have a physical issue.

Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui substituted Marcelo on the hour-mark, the 30-year-old Brazil international replaced by centre-back Raphael Varane in Sunday’s La Liga victory.

The substitution caught Marcelo off guard at Montivili as he told reporters post-match: “I was surprised by the substitution but I respect the decision of the coach, I wanted to continue because I felt 100%. We are on the right road and I am sure we are going to improve with each game. We played well today and we got the three points.”