Zinedine Zidane has urged Luka Modric to shoot from range more often after his stunning late goal secured a 2-1 win for Real Madrid away to Granada.

Youssef El-Arabi canceled out Karim Benzema's first-half opener at Los Carmenes and Madrid looked set to fall further adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona after another stuttering performance on the road.

Modric proved the hero for the capital club, however, blasting the winner into the top corner from 25 yards with just five minutes remaining, and Zidane was delighted with what proved to be a telling contribution.

"He scored a golazo and gave us life," the coach said after. "Above all, he gave us three points. I'm happy for him. He has to shoot more because he has a good strike."

Zidane has seen his side win 5-1, 5-0 and 6-0 at home but his only away game before Sunday since replacing Rafael Benitez as head coach ended in a 1-1 draw with Real Betis.

The former midfielder says Madrid should not be expected to win by the same sort of scoreline on the road and praised the attitude of his players following the victory.

"You also have to think that there's a team opposite us and the crowd are against us. It's normal that it's more difficult away," he said. "We leave with the three points. They're very important. 

"It takes a lot out of us because they are difficult pitches. Granada have good players who put you in difficulty. I'm happy with the attitude of the players. We were not going to win easily. I'm very proud."