Zinedine Zidane has said that he understands Karim Benzema's furious reaction to being subbed during Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla.

The French striker was partnered alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in Los Blancos' frontline for the first time since April 2017.

Benzema did not take kindly to being withdrawn 12 minutes from time with his side a couple of goals in front, however, grabbing a water bottle near the visiting dugout and throwing it to the ground.

Madrid boss Zidane was keen to play down the incident after the match, though, while also praising his squad as a whole for recovering from their shock midweek loss to Leganes.

"Everyone is annoyed when they get replaced, but what matters is the result and Karim is happy," he told beIN Sports. "We played a great game, which is the most important thing.

"We had to suffer in some moments but we didn't lose personality and then the [late] goals came. The team has been playing well for a lot of games.

"It's no secret that we've also played very badly, we know that. What we have to do is maintain consistency and we're strengthened by matches like these."

Madrid's victory moves them to within two points of Valencia in third, but Barcelona remain 16 points better off.