Zidane wins only LaLiga for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid-Athletic Bilbao live

LaLiga title battle looked a lot different

It was Sunday, June 22, 2003. The last day of the Spanish top flight season. Madrid and Real Sociedad would both play ninety minutes simultaneously to decide where the title would be heading with Los Blancos entertaining Athletic Bilbao and La Real would play their rivals' neigbours Atlético who had been promoted to the Primera that season.

The clock struck 9pm and the referees blew their whistles to start their respective games. Two hours later, it was Madrid who were celebrating their 29th league championship victory. It was the first, and would prove to be the only, league title Zinedine Zidane had won with the club.

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Trying to emulate on field glory from the sidelines

The Frenchman, who today faces the same opponent looking to build more momentum towards a dream title as manager, was one of the stars of that 2003 Madrid side who had also brought in Brazilian striker Ronaldo. When he was taken off the field in the 90th minute it was to soak up the personal applause of the Bernabéu faithful after a performance that included acting as provider to the new striker for the third goal in a 3-1 victory.

It's too early in the season to see today's game in the same light, but three points, good performances from key personnel, and some will start to look at the potential of the title winning midfielder as a potential title winning coach.