Zinedine Zidane has taken on a challenge at Real Madrid that will test his managerial abilities in a completely different way to the first time around.

The Spanish giants will be hoping for a fresh start with the Frenchman after stumbling through the last seven months under Julen Lopetegui and then Santiago Solari.

The latter was sacked with Madrid 12 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and knocked out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Coming off the back of four defeats in Los Blancos’ previous six matches, Zidane marked the first outing of his second tenure with a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo.

It wasn’t a stunning performance by any means, though it was clear the Madrid players were in a better frame of mind than at any other point this campaign.

Given how the club has fared since Zidane called time on his incredible three-season reign between January 2016 and May last year, it’s no wonder they’re pleased with his return.

However, Jose Mourinho was also linked with another spell in the Spanish capital after losing the Manchester United job in December.

So, with two of the most successful managers in the modern era to choose from, why did Madrid go for Zidane?

Some reports suggested Sergio Ramos used his influence to bring back the 46-year-old, although he firmly denies any such conduct.

“Changes can bring about positive situations, we've had wonderful moments with Zizou and it's a joy to have him home,” he told reporters after Spain defeated Malta 2-0 in Euro 2020 qualifying on Tuesday, per AS.

“His return has been good news for all the players, it wasn't a decision I made, even if people think I do.

“I'm the captain and give my opinion if I'm asked; I've never taken command, nor have I ever wanted to.”

Regardless of whether Zidane’s return was fuelled by Ramos or other players’ wishes, the task ahead of him is far from straightforward.

With Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, Gareth Bale struggling to fill the void and talk of friction within the squad, it won’t be a matter of simply copying and pasting the formula used during his first spell.

Zidane needs to use the remainder of this season to prove he can fix a broken side, before looking ahead to restoring their dominance of old next term.