La Liga 2016/17: We are ready for the El Clasico, declares Zinedine Zidane

FBL-ESP-CUP-REALMADRID-LEONESA : News Photo
Zidane’s side are in unbelievable form and haven’t lost in 32 games

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has affirmed that his side are ready for the weekend clash against arch-rivals Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Los Blancos are currently on a 32-game unbeaten run and are confident of extending their incredible streak, but Zidane is wary of the threat posed by the Catalan giants.

“We ready for what's going to be a great game and we'll start preparing tomorrow,” he said while speaking to the press after Real’s 6-1 demolition of Cultural Leonesa. “Tonight we'll rest. It's a game we need to prepare well for, but whatever happens, the result isn't going to be decisive. We'll be up against good opponents and I am sure that they will make us suffer.”

Also Read: La Liga 2016/17: 14 players in contention to make Real Madrid side for El Clasico

The Frenchman is also delighted with the return of midfielder Casemiro but Zidane said that the Real Madrid number 14’s involvement in the Clasico is not a certainty. "He looked good. He had a little bit of difficulty right at the start which is normal after almost two months out on the sidelines. I'm happy that he's back with us. He put in a complete game and he's ready but I'm not going to say whether he'll play on Saturday," said the French manager.

The El Clasico couldn’t have come at a better time for Real Madrid as Barcelona have been not in the best of form recently and are enduring their worst start to a La Liga campaign since 2007.

If the Los Blancos manage to pick up all three points at the Camp Nou, they would see themselves nine points ahead of their nemesis. The reigning European champions would also be happy with the fact that their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo is back to form as he scored five goals in his last two outings and will certainly be eager to add more to his tally.

Also Read: Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo takes to Twitter to show he is ready for Barcelona

Zidane hailed Ronaldo and Messi as magical players and he backed the Portuguese superstar to win the Ballon d'Or this year. “They are both exceptional players, in their own way,” he said. “Cristiano is doing incredible things and I hope he continues to. We'll see what he does on Saturday. I don't think there is any debate between the two and I am sure that Cristiano will win the Ballon d'Or,” Zidane continued.

The stage is set for the biggest game in Europe and Real Madrid fans will be hoping that Zidane and co. can repeat their heroics from last April when they won at Barcelona’s home turf.

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Edited by Staff Editor