Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has received criticism over the past year but, against Levante in La Liga on Saturday, delivered a timely reminder of his class.
The France international’s brace was enough to give Los Blancos all three points and a second win of the domestic campaign from four matches.
And, for Zidane, it is justification as to why he fought so hard to keep Benzema at the club despite others wanting him to go.
When Zidane was reappointed as manager back in March, he agreed to return as long as he get a big say in transfers.
One of the reasons he had chosen to quit Real the previous summer was due to the fact that, more often that not, it was Florentino Perez pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Perez, though, gave in.
Having seen Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari both toil, he was willing to give up power if it meant Zidane returning.
Things have not been straightforward in the time since, though.
Zidane is already under pressure at Real but, on Saturday, his decision to fight for Benezema to stay was justified.
Perez wanted to get rid. That was part of the reason why he splurged a massive £52million on Luka Jovic.
But Zidane has always rated his compatriot. In his opinion, the 31-year-old is crucial to unlocking the best from other players around him.
And when it comes to goals, Benzema has always been able to produce them when the pressure’s on.
In 2019, the France international has scored more goals than all but one of his previous seasons at the club.
And how Zidane needed him to deliver today.
There’s no denying Real have flaws. Levante’s late fightback, when Borja Mayoral and Gonzalo Melero found the net, was proof of that.
But while Real have Benzema in prolific form they should pick up more points than they squander.
Next up for Los Blancos is a tricky test against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday (8pm).
And Zidane will be hoping that, in his home country, Benzema can step up and deliver once more.
Even Perez may have to admit he was wrong if the striker is able to build on his Levante display.
If he does, then Real’s season may not be so bad after all.