Zidane adamant title challenge is still alive
Zinedine Zidane portrayed a relaxed figure despite Real Madrid suffering something of a setback in its title challenge as it was held to a 0-0 draw by Real Betis on Sunday (AEST).
It was an underwhelming showing ahead of a UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea on Wednesday (AEST), and Madrid could finish the weekend five points off the top of LaLiga if Atletico beats Athletic Bilbao on Monday (AEST).
But Zidane stressed there was no need to panic, even if he was irritated by Madrid's issues in attack during the stalemate against Betis.
"We lose two points and we don't like it but there is still a lot of LaLiga to go, it doesn't end today," he said.
"The rest of the teams have to play and we'll see what happens. We now focus on Tuesday's [Wednesday's AEST] game.
"Defensively we were very good, but offensively we lacked many things. We lacked something, we were not fine at the top end of the pitch.
"We are prepared for the next game, which is going to be the most difficult of the whole season."
Madrid was looking to go top of the table – at least until Monday (AEST) – with a victory at Valdebebas, but in the end it was arguably fortunate to leave with a point.
Betis had the best chances of the match, with Guido Rodriguez and Borja Iglesias spurning glorious opportunities in the second half.
While Madrid managed five shots on target, its cumulative expected goals value of 1.02 was only marginally more than Betis's 0.92.
One positive for Madrid was the return of Eden Hazard, who made only his second LaLiga appearance since the end of January.
The Belgium winger had been blighted by calf and thigh issues but looked lively in his cameo, suggesting he could play a role against his former club over the next couple of weeks.
"I was very happy to see Eden Hazard because it was important to have him with us again," Zidane said.
"We know the quality he has and I hope to be able to count on him until the end of the season."
