Real Madrid have suffered a major blow as forward Karim Benzema has been sidelined for at least three matches due to a hamstring injury.
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However, Zidane’s on-field ability was unquestionable and he has recently selected his best ever Premier League XI.
“Cristiano spoke with everyone and me too”, Zidane told reporters.
Pique also dismissed ongoing rumours another South American, Neymar, could be tempted to join Real Madrid with the Brazilian still to sign a new contract. “We know that the situation is hard but we have to continue”.
Ronaldo later back-tracked on the comments, apologising to his team-mates via WhatsApp and telling Marca: “I was referring to the physical level, not level of play”.
“The message that I transmit to the players is that we must concentrate on each game, give our best and try to win”, he said. Ronaldo did attempt to clarify his comments, saying injuries were frustrating him.
“We go day-to-day”, Zidane said.
Real Madrid appears to have already conceded the La Liga title after collecting 54 points in 26 games, 12 points behind pace-setter rival Barcelona.
That was Monday. Today it’s being rumoured in the Spanish press that some of Ronaldo’s Real cohorts are “staggered” by the lack of effort he’s putting into his training drills of late.
“We have to keep fighting game after game”, Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez said.
The game against La Real is Atleti’s first return to Vicente Calderon after victory in Saturday’s Madrid derby, having lost their last home fixture to Villarreal.
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Villarreal has a comfortable 11-point lead over fifth-place Celta, the team it plays on Wednesday in Vigo.
