Real Madrid are now unbeaten in 30 matches as well as still maintain their six points lead over Barcelona. All in all, what was one of the less exciting El Clasicos ended in what was probably a fair result, but Luis Enrique will be left to rue his usually lethal striking force’s lack of clinical finishing on the night. Meanwhile, Neymar fouled Lucas Vásquez in the first half and picked up his fourth yellow card in the game and will not play next Saturday.
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Iniesta, Messi and Neymar, who sent a shot sailing far above the crossbar in a one-on-one opportunity against keeper Keylor Navas, all could have given Barcelona a much needed second goal in the second half.
“In my opinion, the performance of the team was higher than that of the rival, but we have to improve, it is clear”.
“Ramos? He has what he has, a lot of character”. He never gives up, which is very good for us. The result certainly felt like a defeat and domestically the champions have plenty of work to do if they are to defend their title. It’s not an easy field, although perhaps our pressure was a little low.
“Still, what stood out was the work of everyone, then Sergio was there to score the goal”. We’re pleased with the point but we know that La Liga will be tough right to the finish.
And for a while it appeared like Barcelona would emerge victorious, having taken a deserved lead in the second half through Luis Suarez’ 53rd minute goal.
Zidane concedes that Madrid “suffered” at times during the game, but was full of praise for the character and never-say-die attitude his team showed.
To a list of heroic interventions that already includes goals in two Champions League finals from central defence, he can add the hefty point he seized on Saturday, thumping in a free kick played into him from the excellent Luka Modric. We continued looking for the second to avoid being leveled, but we were unable to do so.
Casemiro did not start from the beginning and he entered in the last 30 minutes: ” When Casemiro entered on the pitch we were more offensive because Kovacic and Modric. He seems to be fine.
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“We had it in our hands, we couldn’t close it out, I think we deserved it, but that’s the way it is”. We’re six points ahead, but nothing’s changed.
