Zinedine Zidane said Real Madrid’s first defeat since his return can be partly explained by a lack of motivation. Valencia triumphed 2-1 at Mestalla on Wednesday, with the returning head coach accepting it is hard to motivate his team for the match.
Madrid lost 2-1 at in-form Valencia on Wednesday, Goncalo Guedes and Ezequiel Garay scoring before Karim Benzema’s consolation header. Los Blancos had won their two previous matches under Zidane, although they needed Benzema’s late strike to down bottom side Huesca at the weekend.
Madrid
“It’s true
Zidane reiterated his previous comments that he does not regard the closing weeks of the season as an audition for his squad.
“This is not an exam at all because these people are Real Madrid players,” Zidane added. We are going through a complicated moment. We must also live the bad moments, it will not change anything.”
Valencia
“We have been at a great level, with defensive balance,” Marcelino told reporters. “We had many chances, but scoring goals is always the most difficult. We have to be proud of our players.
“When you play against an opponent of this level, if you do not take advantage of your opportunities, they have them and they do. We have done a great defensive job.
I do not like to talk about tactical battles. The team has been at a great level, we have been getting into the rhythm of the game. The second half also started very well. Solidarity and playing as a team were our strengths.”