Real Madrid vs Valencia - Zinedine Zidane says Real Madrid are still chasing the league title

Posted Sunday, May 08, 2016 by PA

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid have not given up hope of winning the title as they prepare to host Valencia in their penultimate Primera Division game of the season.

Despite a 10-game winning run, third-placed Los Blancos still trail both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid by a point at the top of the table.

They also have the added distraction of preparing for the Champions League final against city rivals Atletico on May 28.

Zidane, as reported by Marca, said: "The message is that as long as there are minutes (left in the season) we have to believe in our possibilities.

"We have won 10 straight games and we need to continue.

"We have two finals left in the league and are one point behind, we need to keep fighting. I can't change anything, good or bad.

"The best way to prepare for the (Champions League) final is to play these two games."

Zidane, whose team have not won La Liga since 2012, could rest some of his main men against Los Che with one eye on the European final.

He will definitely be without a number of first-team players for Sunday's game, including winger Gareth Bale (knee), goalkeeper Keylor Navas (tendinitis), and full-back Dani Carvajal.

Star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned from a thigh problem for the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Manchester City, is expected to play, while Karim Benzema is also ready for action following his injury.

Opponents Valencia sit 40 points behind their hosts following a disappointing campaign.

Boss Pako Ayestaran believes his ninth-placed side will give their all to win at the Bernabeu, despite having little left to play for.

"We don't need to feel more pressure in the game," he said at Valencia's press conference.

"It's up to Real to deal with the pressure of the title race.

"The players should give everything - for themselves and for the club."

Ayestaran, who replaced Gary Neville at the end of March, is still unsure of his future at the Mestalla

"The club needs time to make a decision," he added.

"Though it would be great to have confirmation from the club that I am staying, I still feel lucky and I'm happy to be here."

Real play at the same time as their title rivals, and they will be hoping Barca drop points at home to city rivals Espanyol and that Levante can record a positive result against Diego Simeone's Atletico.