Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was relieved to see his side edge past Real Valladolid 1-0 to move to the top of the La Liga table. It took a late and rare strike from defender Nacho to break the deadlock after a disciplined defensive display from the hosts, who could have snatched a point at the end when Sergi Guardiola was denied by an offside flag.
Madrid midfielder Casemiro also had a goal ruled out by VAR in the first half but Zidane’s men did enough as they extended their unbeaten run to 12 games. The French manager Zidane praised his defence after Valladolid failed to register a shot on target but said more creativity is required to ensure struggling opponents are beaten more convincingly.
“Defensively, what we are doing, we are doing well. It is our strength,”
“We defend all and when we lose the ball we recover it very high, and if we keep it we have a good chance of scoring.
“Nacho scored and that is part of football. We know that we can improve in this aspect.
“Nacho is a professional. When he has to compete he does well. I’m glad for his goal; he doesn’t usually score them but from time-to-time we can also create chances for defenders.”
Nacho raced straight over to the visiting dugout to embrace coach Zinedine Zidane after scoring his first league goal in over two years as Real finally broke the deadlock after struggling to break down the hosts’ deep-lying defence.
Madrid have been beaten only once in the league this season but with 17 games remaining, including the visit of Barcelona on March 1, Zidane predicted a tough road ahead.
“For us, nothing changes,”said Zidane. “We are happy with the victory, the work done having fought until the end, but nothing changes. There are 17 games left and we will continue fighting until the end.
“I don’t want to talk about being champions because there is still a lot left to play.
“It changes nothing to be leaders, they are three important points but nothing more.
“There are a lot of league games left and it will be difficult for all teams, including us.”
Real Madrid will face their cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid in the weekend fixture. Can Real Madrid keep themselves on top of La-Liga.
