Zidane hails players' character after crucial Bilbao win
Los Blancos registered 2-1 victory against Ernesto Valverde's men to go five points clear of second-placed Barcelona
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Casemiro, Lucas Vazquez and Sergio Ramos celebrated team's second goal against Athletic Bilbao on March 18, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
MADRID:
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hailed his side's character to hold off an Athletic Bilbao onslaught as Casemiro proved their unlikely hero in a vital 2-1 win on Saturday.
The Brazilian midfielder slotted home from close range 22 minutes from time to move Madrid five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
"We were made to suffer a lot, but at the same time we played with a lot of character," said Zidane. "It was a hugely important game to win and continue with our good run."
The former France World Cup winner also insisted he won't ask for players to miss international friendlies and return to the Spanish capital early ahead of an action-packed April for the European champions.
The Los Blancos face a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and seven La Liga matches in April, including against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, on their return from an upcoming two-week international break.
"I'm not going to get involved," said Zidane. "The players will go with the national teams. I will rest, they won't, but there is nothing we can do.
"When they return from the national teams we are going to have nine games in 28 days and everything will be on the line.
"We are 24 [in the squad] and I am sure we will need everyone, but I won't speak with anyone [in the national teams]."
Zidane showed his intentions to rely on his squad as Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for the final 12 minutes at San Mames.
However, the World Player of the Year showed no dissent to being replaced by Isco.
"He can go off now and again," added Zidane. "I was happy with how he played, we won and that is what I am left with."
Madrid left-back Marcelo recognised that benefit of a full week's preparation ahead of the Bilbao match, which they won't have for the rest of the campaign, proved vital.
"We had time to prepare this week and it worked out well. We knew what we needed to do," he told BeIN Sports Spain. "Obviously it was a very important game, but in our heads, we are only thinking about winning every game not how many points in front we are. Heading into the international break, it was important to be first."
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hailed his side's character to hold off an Athletic Bilbao onslaught as Casemiro proved their unlikely hero in a vital 2-1 win on Saturday.
The Brazilian midfielder slotted home from close range 22 minutes from time to move Madrid five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
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"We were made to suffer a lot, but at the same time we played with a lot of character," said Zidane. "It was a hugely important game to win and continue with our good run."
The former France World Cup winner also insisted he won't ask for players to miss international friendlies and return to the Spanish capital early ahead of an action-packed April for the European champions.
The Los Blancos face a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and seven La Liga matches in April, including against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, on their return from an upcoming two-week international break.
Captain fantastic Ramos leads Real to top of La Liga
"I'm not going to get involved," said Zidane. "The players will go with the national teams. I will rest, they won't, but there is nothing we can do.
"When they return from the national teams we are going to have nine games in 28 days and everything will be on the line.
"We are 24 [in the squad] and I am sure we will need everyone, but I won't speak with anyone [in the national teams]."
Zidane showed his intentions to rely on his squad as Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for the final 12 minutes at San Mames.
However, the World Player of the Year showed no dissent to being replaced by Isco.
"He can go off now and again," added Zidane. "I was happy with how he played, we won and that is what I am left with."
Madrid left-back Marcelo recognised that benefit of a full week's preparation ahead of the Bilbao match, which they won't have for the rest of the campaign, proved vital.
"We had time to prepare this week and it worked out well. We knew what we needed to do," he told BeIN Sports Spain. "Obviously it was a very important game, but in our heads, we are only thinking about winning every game not how many points in front we are. Heading into the international break, it was important to be first."