Madrid: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has dismissed suggestions that Sunday’s crucial clash against great rivals Barcelona will decide the Spanish title race.
Real currently sit top of La Liga, three points ahead of the Catalans with a game in hand, and victory at their Bernabeu stadium would be a huge step towards a first league title since 2012.
Zidane, however, is refusing to look that far ahead and claimed it would not have that big an impact on who go on to become champions.
“Tomorrow’s game is one you need to fight in and work hard for. We’re not favourites. People could think that maybe we are — or they are. We’re playing against a great side,” he said.
“It won’t be decisive in the title race. We have seven games left this season in the league. We’re going game to game — they’re all important. We have a big one tomorrow, and we’re focused on that but it won’t be decisive in terms of who wins the title.”
Zidane confirmed that winger Gareth Bale would be included in the squad but would not say whether the Welshman was fit enough to start or if he would be named among the substitutes. Bale has been sidelined by an inflammation of the muscles around where he suffered ligament damage in his right ankle that kept him out for three months earlier in the season. “He will be with us tomorrow,” said Zidane.
“You will see tomorrow what team we are going to start with.”
All eyes will be on Bale’s teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after his midweek heroics in the Champions League and the Real coach was effusive in his praise of the Portuguese.
“We always talk about Cristiano in big games and he showed it the other night. The energy he gives this team is so positive and amazing,” he said.
“Tomorrow is a great game. A massive game, everybody knows that. Everybody will be watching and I’ll be another spectator, too. My team will be the main act and hopefully will put on a great show.”
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique said he has prepared for his last El Clasico with or without star forward Neymar.
The Brazilian is expected to serve the second of a three-game ban for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga a fortnight ago.
However, the club have explored every option to have him available.
An appeal to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) was deliberately delayed until after the court’s normal Friday meeting to decide on appeals in the hope that would automatically see the ban suspended.
However, TAD could still call an emergency meeting on Saturday, and, even if they don’t, Barca would risk being sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player should Neymar feature.
“I think the club are correct in their position to defend the club’s interests,” said Enrique, who is leaving Barca at the end of the season.
“As a coach, I am prepared to play with Neymar or without him.”
Enrique accepted that Barca’s hopes of a third straight title depend on winning at the Santiago Bernabeu. “Given how close it is to the end of the season, it is a decisive weekend,” he added.
“This time a Clasico can decide or almost decide the league or leave it very open.
“For us it is like a final, only a win will do.”
