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Pre-season Friendlies

Jul 28, 2016 at 12.30am UK

Real Madrid
1-3
PSG Paris Saint-Germain

Marcelo (44' pen.)

FT(HT: 1-3)

Ikone (2'), Meunier (35', 40')

Zinedine Zidane explains Karim Benzema absence

By Matt Law, Football Editor

Published: July 28 2016 | 22:57

Last updated: July 31 2016 | 07:02

Karim Benzema did not take to the field for Real Madrid against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday due to 'a minor back problem', confirms Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has revealed that Karim Benzema did not play a part in Wednesday's pre-season friendly with Paris Saint-Germain due to "discomfort in his back".

The striker did not represent France at Euro 2016 and it came as a surprise when he was left out of the squad to take on PSG in North America in the International Champions Cup.

Zidane, however, has explained that the 28-year-old had a minor back problem. The head coach told reporters: "Karim has some discomfort in his back but nothing major."

Nanitamo Ikone made the breakthrough for PSG inside two minutes, before a double from Belgian defender Thomas Meunier saw the French champions take a three-goal lead inside 40 minutes. Marcelo then responded for Real Madrid from the penalty spot just before the break as the Spanish side were beaten 3-1.