Zinedine Zidane hailed the “heart” of his Real Madrid players after their Clasico draw with Barcelona on Saturday.
Sergio Ramos’ last-gasp header maintained Madrid’s unbeaten run, which now stands at 33 games – just one away from the club’s record – and their six-point lead on Barca at the top of La Liga.
“The result? I don’t know if it’s fair, but it is what is,” the Coach said after the game.
“In the first half, we could’ve done more harm. Then, when they scored a goal, they were encouraged and the game became more complicated. But the heart of this team is …
“Ramos? He has what he has, a lot of character. He never gives up, which is very good for us.
“We did important collective work, along with Karim and Cristiano. 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 believed until the end.
“Casemiro? I wanted to freshen things up a little more and push Mateo and Modric further forward, to be more attacking.
“I know what he can give us. In the second half, we fell behind, but eventually things changed.
“We suffered against a great team, it wasn’t easy to pick up points here but we did so with character.
“We know we picked up only a point, not three, but we’re happy because it’s a very good point. We’ll continue picking up points and see what happens in the next game.
“Modric? We know how important he is for us. Luka had a good game and little by little is getting hs shape back. He seems to be fine.
“I don’t think it was a moral blow for Barcelona. We’re six points ahead, but nothing’s changed.
“We know the season’s very long, although we’re happy with the point. If we scored in the first half could, things could’ve been different, but we’re satisfied. Whatever happens, it’ll be difficult until the end.
“Barca at Camp Nou? I don’t see Barcelona being vulnerable at Camp Nou.
“Mariano? He was an alternative. We changed our system to put him up top because we know what we can give us in front of goal. He had a chance at the end.
“We have many different players that give us many different things.
“They’ve seen that they’re all important and we need them all now until the end of the season.”
