Zinedine Zidane returned to the Santiago Bernabu on a Champions League night, far removed from the glory days when he last led Real Madrid. Los blancos fell 1-2 to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, but Zidane was there soaking in the Bernabu atmosphere once again.

The French coach is back in the spotlight after reports linked him to the France national team job. The match gave him a front-row seat to watch several players who could soon be under his command.

Zidane at the Santiago Bernabu

Cameras caught Zidane in the stands amid growing France head coach rumors. Several French internationals were in action: Kylian Mbapp, Aurlien Tchouamni and Eduardo Camavinga for Real Madrid, while Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise featured for Bayern Munich.

Zidane has been a free agent since leaving Real Madrid in December 2021 – a surprising reality given his elite rsum. During his second stint, he won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, bringing his total to 11 trophies with the club.

The French legend enjoyed a special night back at the Bernabu, though with a bitter ending as Real Madrid fell short. Now, attention shifts to the second leg, where Kylian Mbapp’s crucial goal keeps their Champions League hopes alive.