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Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says the race for the La Liga title isn’t over yet after watching his side demolish Espanyol 6-0.

Ronaldo scored a hat trick with the other goals coming from Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and a Duarte own goal to move Los Blancos just a point behind Atletico de Madrid in the table and four behind leaders Barcelona. The Catalan outfit still have a game in hand over the them too.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the French boss said his team could still improve and will not be giving up the the title race just yet.

“Scoring five or six goals isn’t easy but we can further improve. We had a good game. The youngsters have surprised me. The aim is to play at our best, at our full potential in each and every game and leaving no chances to win the league. La Lia isn’t over. I have hopes for the league still. We win as a group. Not because of two or three players. We win together,” he told the media.

He added: “We’re four points behind now from the top and that could become seven even but we must focus what we must do and our position to win most. Atletico de Madrid and Barcelona don’t concern me. We’re going to Granada next and that’s what I’m focused on.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo was pretty confident following Real Madrid’s 6-0 victory against Espanyol. The Portuguese international claimed that Los Blancos can still win La Liga, despite trailing Barcelona by four points and having played one more match.

Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick to lead his team to victory, was pretty pleased with the game: “I am very happy. Scoring three goals gives you confidence, but we have to value the work of the whole team. We’ve done well and we have won, which is the most important.”

“Obviously we want to see this Real Madrid every time. The fans hope we will win and play well, and that is what is happening now,” he added.

Asked about the criticism that followed last weeks draw against Real Betis, Ronaldo said that is “normal.” “There is always people who will find reasons to talk against us, but I always try to do my job, and I want to continue like this. I am always happy. If you look at my statistics, they don’t lie. I want to continue like this,” the Portugal international explained.

Ronaldo said he didn’t watch the game between Barcelona and Atletico because he was “having a nap,” but he said he is “convinced that we can still win La Liga.” “We know that it is complicated and that Barcelona have more points, but football is like that. We must fight until the last moment,” he added.

Asked about the reasons of Real’s poor start to the season, Ronaldo argued that “the pre-season was too bad, we travelled too much.” “Zidane has come with fresh ideas and now we feel better,” he concluded.

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Cristiano Ronaldo hit three as Real Madrid cruised past Espanyol on Sunday night, in their third consecutive goal fest at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos moved to within four points of leaders Barcelona thanks to a hat-trick from the Portuguese and goals from Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez, and an own goal from Duarte.

Unlike last week against Real Betis, Zinedine Zidane men were focused from the start. After just seven minutes, Real took the lead as Benzema headed a James cross into the bottom corner.

Four minutes later, Enzo Roco brought Ronaldo down inside the box and the referee pointed the spot. The Portuguese cooly converted to make it 2-0 for Los Merengues.

The game seemed over after 16 minutes, when James Rodriguez scored the third goal for the hosts. The Colombia international sent a powerful strike that deflected of Diop and found the back of the net.

Espanyol had a good chance to shorten Real’s lead right before the break, but Keylor Navas brilliantly denied Salva Sevilla. In the next play, Ronaldo made it 4-0 after dribbling past two defenders and smashing one into the far corner.

The second half was pretty relaxed for Los Blancos, and Zidane even allowed himself to make changes and rest some of his key players, like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema.

Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with ten minutes to go as he headed a cross from Jese Rodriguez into the back of the net. A couple of minutes later, Real had their sixth as Oscar Duarte turned another Jese cross into his own net.

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Real Madrid Espanyol match preview

Just like last week, the only doubt for Zinedine Zidane was whether to include James Rodriguez or Jese Rodriguez in the starting eleven to face Espanyol. The Frenchman has finally chosen the Colombia, as expected, who will feature in midfield alongside Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco.

In defense, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane will be the centre-back pair, with Marcelo and Daniel Carvajal as full-backs.

As usual, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will feature up front and Keylor Navas remains the starting goalkeeper.

This will be Real Madrid’s starting eleven: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; James Rodriguez, Modric, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Espanyol manager Galca will display the following lineup: Arla; Javi Lopez, Roco, Alvaro, Duarte; Diop, Sanchez; Perez, Jordan, Sevilla; Sylla.

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Espanyol legend Raul Tamudo says his former team will not be expecting much from their visit to the Santiago Bernabeu because of their injury list but that could help the team focus even more on the job they have to do.

The Catalan side lost 6-0 at home in the reverse fixture and come into today’s game on the back of seven consecutive defeats away from home. They are without a host of first team players through injury while Marco Asensio can’t play against his parent club.

Speaking to Marca, Tamudo said the players will find it tough but will be focused on doing their jobs as best they can.

“When you play Madrid at their ground, you have to set out to put in a good game and try to take a point at least. Espanyol have quite a few players out injured, but on the other hand that could turn out to be a positive thing because those who are out there can focus on the upcoming games that we need to win,” he stated.

Asked for his thoughts on the managerial change at Los Blancos this month, Tamudo said the players look happier.

“Now the players look comfortable and happier – maybe because Zidane can give them something Benitez couldn’t. They’re enjoying their football. When one of the greatest players in the world is coaching you, you listen because they know what they are talking about.”

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Real Madrid Espanyol match preview

Zinedine Zidane is not expected to make important changes in Real Madrid’s XI to face Espanyol on Sunday night.

Sergio Ramos will return to the centre of the defense after recovering from an injury. Raphael Varane will be Ramos’ pair, since Pepe is suffering from muscle problems.

Danilo will most likely return to the bench, leaving his spot at right-back for Daniel Carvajal. Marcelo will feature at left-back, as usual.

In midfield, the main doubt is whether Zidane will bench James Rodríguez and bring Jese Rodríguez in or not. It seems that the Colombian will start alongside Isco, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will feature in the forward line.

Meanwhile, Espayol will display a pretty unusual XI, given the numerous losses they are suffering. That will cause, for example, that winger Hernan Perez will most likely be required to feature as a striker.

These are the projectec starting line-ups of both teams:

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; James, Modric, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo.

Espanyol: Pau Lopez; Javi Lopez, Roco, Alvaro, Duarte; Diop, Sánchez; Montanes, Jordan, Sevila; Perez.

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Zinedine Zidane says he is focused on the players he has at his disposable at the Santiago Bernabeu and is not paying any attention to rumours – particularly surrounding Barcelona striker Neymar.

Some media outlets have suggests Los Blancos are keen to tempt the Brazilian away from the Camp Nou in a move that would perhaps be even more controverisal than Luis Figo’s 16 years ago.

However, Zidane played down talk of trying to sign the forward, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or this year, saying he can’t do much about rumours.

“I’ve got a 26-man squad and I’m happy to be working with them, that’s the only thing I’m focusing on, and on tomorrow’s game. I don’t think that the players are bothered by these rumours. Everyone is free to have their own opinion. There’ll always be rumours, and that’ll always be the case,” he commented.

Asked about his plans to recruit new players considering the transfer ban that is likely to be imposed on the club, the Frenchman said it is something he will look at in the future. FIFA temporarily suspended the two-window ban while it investigates Real’s appeal meaning the club will likely be able to sign players in the summer.

He stated: “We’ll talk about that in the summer, but right now there’s nothing going on because I’m happy with the squad.”

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Real Madrid Espanyol match preview

Real Madrid take on Espanyol this afternoon looking to get back on track in the league after dropping two points last weekend.

After winning his first two games emphatically since taking charge, Zinedine Zidane was brought back down to earth with a bump last weekend when Real could only manage a 1-1 draw with Real Betis.

In Espanyol though, Los Blancos have perhaps the best opponent to face to get back to winning ways and try to keep the pressure up on Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid. The visitors have lost 13 of the last 15 games they have played at the Santiago Bernabeu and are currently on a run of seven straight defeats away from home. They have not lost eight in a row since 2002.

In terms of team news, the hosts will be without in-from forward Gareth Bale once again as he recover from a calf injury. Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez looks best placed to fill in for the 26-year-old. Despite doubts over Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos’ fitness earlier this week, both should be ready to take their place in the starting line up.

Possible Line Ups:
Real Madrid – Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Modirc, Kroos, Isco, Rodriguez, Benzema, Ronaldo

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Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says his team must get back to winning when they take on Espanyol.

Los Blancos dropped two crucial points last weekend against Real Betis and have it all to do if they are to catch Barcelona in the race for La Liga.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane said his players must respond against a team they beat 6-0 in the reverse fixture this season.

“We’re at home, and we know what we’ve got to go out and do against Espanyol. We need to score goals and start the game strongly. The only thing we’ve got to focus on is winning the game, and we’re preparing to go out and get the three points,” he stated.

And he added: “We’ve had a good week on the training field, and now we’re focused on getting the three points. We know that we face a good side. Every game is different, and we have to have respect for the opposition, and that’s why we must make a strong start and be on it right from the off. I hope that things go just like they did in our last two home games.”

Asked about how he is settling into his job as the new boss of the 10-time Champions League winners, Zidane commented: “I’m happy to be here with the players. I feel very comfortable, but the most important thing is that the players feel good. We’ve just completed our third week, and physically we’re doing better. Yesterday we didn’t train very much, and the same again today, so that we’re fresh for tomorrow.”

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Antoine Griezmann

France forward Antoine Griezmann says he hopes Real Madrid star Karim Benzema and Lyon playmaker Matieu Valbuena both return to the national team line up for the European Championships.

Benzema has been suspended by the French FA while he is involved in a case surrounding an alleged attempt to extort money from Valbuena to help get rid of a sex tape the Lyon man was involved in. If found guilty, the punished could be as severe as a five-year jail term.

The Los Blancos striker was dropped from the France team from the friendlies against Germany and England in November and has since been told he won’t be selected until the outcome of his case is clear. Under the terms of the investigation, he is not allowed to communicate with Valbuena.

Benzema has received the backing of boss Zidane and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. And now Atletico striker Griezmann says he wants to see the duo back in the team sooner rather than later. France are hosts of the tournament this summer.

The striker told L’Equipe: “I hope they will both return. They are two important players for us, on the field and off. We need them. They would both have the same goal at Euro 2016, to win, so I think they would put that above everything. But what has happened has happened, we will see where it leads.”

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