Atletico beats Real Madrid 1-0 at Santiago Bernabeu

Los Rojiblancos have broken the duopoly that existed in La Liga in recent seasons, winning the title in the 2013-2014 campaign while they are now sandwiched in between table-topping Barcelona and Real Madrid in the standings heading into this weekend’s fixtures.

Zidane said: “We were not as ready for the game as we thought we were”.

Griezmann was the hero for Atletico, with the France international’s goal proving enough for a third-straight La Liga win at the Bernabeu. “I don’t think he wanted to attack any of his teammates, but perhaps he did not express his opinion in the best way”, Ramos said, according to AS.

Ronaldo reportedly lamented the absence of injured players Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Pepe and Karim Benzema, who was withdrawn at half-time with a hip problem, when speaking to reporters in the mixed zone at the Santiago Bernabeu after the game. “We played better than them but they were lucky to get a chance and score”, Ronaldo said.

“We’re not just going to throw the league away because whatever happens we have goals, games to play and things to win”.

“That’s not to say that Jese, Lucas, Kovacic aren’t good, they are very good”.

Since Zinedine Zidane took over the helm RealMadrid have played better football, ROnaldo in particular has looked happier and the brilliant Portugese superstar has scored nine in his last seven.

After 26 rounds, Real Madrid is four points behind Atletico Madrid and nine points behind leader Barcelona, which hosts Sevilla on Sunday with a chance to tie Real Madrid’s record of 34 unbeaten games in all competitions set in 1988-89. Now even more. But we will continue, will not throw in this season.

“It is a game we need to win”, Ronaldo told Madrid’s website.

They have not defeated Atletico in any of their last five league games, their longest run without a win against them in history.

However, Benzema might be a key absentee in the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against AS Roma on March 8, as he plays a vital role not only as a goalscorer, but as a facilitator for Ronaldo.

“This is a great moment to see that hard work, stability, collective effort and teamwork, rather than individual effort, pays off”, the Atletico coach said in a press conference.