Zinedine Zidane Expresses Fear ahead of Madrid Derby
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says Atletico Madrid should “definitely” be considered as favourites to win La Liga this season. His team and Atletico will be meeting later today in their Madrid derby but the manager seems to have already given up.
Diego Simeone’s side is unbeaten in their last ten La Liga games and is currently topping the league table. Both sides progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek.
Zidane said: “We won the league last year and we want to defend our crown and we will do that until the end.” “We want to win every game and especially this one as it’s a big game.”
He was asked if Atletico is a team to beat, Zidane replied: “Yes, definitely, they should. That is what they are showing on the pitch. He said: “They are top of the table and they’ve always been a competitive outfit in that sense. We know them well.”
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is back to the team and they will be looking to build on their Uefa Champions League win as they take on the league leader Atletico Madrid who is yet to lose a game in the 2020/21 La Liga season.
However, they remain without attacking trio Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz, as well as midfielder Martin Odegaard.
Atletico defenders Jose Gimenez and Manu Sanchez, as well as striker Diego Costa will be missing through injury.
