Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane believes his side can still salvage a disappointing season at home and abroad should Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale remain fit for the remainder of the campaign.
All three scored on their first start together for two months on Sunday, in a 4-0 thrashing of Sevilla, as Madrid closed to within 10 points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who they play next on April 2 after a two-week international break.
“After a performance like that from the players, I can only be satisfied,” said Zidane.
Read more: Andy Mitten writes Cristiano Ronaldo is right about deficient rest of Real Madrid
Also see: Andy Mitten on Manchester United's quiet Marcus Rashford, a potential new Ronaldo – in one way only
“Playing like this we can do great things. The players know that, but in football every game is different so we have to play with the same intensity and commitment.”
Madrid still have high hopes of landing an 11th European Cup after drawing Wolfsburg in the last eight of the Champions League.
However, their immediate task is to end Barca’s 39-game unbeaten run in all competitions to at least put a little pressure on the European champions for the final weeks of the season.
“It will be a special match because all Barca-Madrid matches are special,” added Zidane.
“Now for us there is the opportunity to continue what we are doing, our progression.
“We know very well we are ready. It will be a big game, a game where two great teams will clash, which is good for football.”
Zidane had pleaded with Benzema in particular to concentrate on his football after becoming embroiled in a spat with French prime minister Manuel Valls over whether his off-field troubles should prevent him representing the country at this summer’s European Championship.
And Benzema responded with a thumping volley into the top corner from Bale’s cross after just six minutes.
Sevilla had the chance to level from the penalty spot, but Keylor Navas flew to his right to deny Kevin Gameiro midway through the first-half.
Ronaldo also missed from the spot for the third time this season when he blazed over early in the second period.
Yet, it mattered little with two goals in two minutes just after the hour mark with Ronaldo and Bale slotting home from close range.
Jese Rodriguez then pounced on some sloppy Sevilla defending to round off the scoring four minutes from time.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
