ATHLETIC 0-1 REAL MADRID | ZIDANE
Zidane: "It's too easy to talk about the ref; you have to respect Real Madrid"
When asked about recent refereeing decisions, Zidane stood up for his team: "What I cannot accept is hearing others say we are where we are because of the referee".
Zinedine Zidane looked back on Real Madrid's vital win against Athletic at San Mamés this afternoon, which was resolved on 72 minutes by a Sergio Ramos penalty.
Huge result: "Extremely important. It was a hard-fought game, with a great of intensity an rhythm, at a tough ground against a team who always make things difficult. That's what we had to face today. We've come away with three very important points. It's a great win".
Real Madrid top the table on 77 points, Barcelona on 70
Madrid are halfway to winning LaLiga: "Well, you're within your rights to ask me that but LaLiga will be decided at the end of the season. We know we have four games left to play and until it is settled mathematically we cannot afford to relax and think about the league title. We just have to keep doing what we are doing. Once again we have shown that we are strong and solid and that's good to see".
Optimism: "I have a lot of experience as a player so no, I know things can easily change. We will face teams who compete well - like we did today - teams that can easily draw and take a couple of points from you. We have to feel happy with the game we put in and the three points. I'm happy with the effort the players gave. But it is not easy. Getting seven wins from seven is amazing".
Penalty for foul on Marcelo: "The ref wanted another look at the move but he's given it because it's a penalty. I haven't seen it myself but I've been told it was a penalty".
Athletic thought they should have had a penalty for a similar foul on Raúl García: "What can I say? There's nothing I can say. Everyone has their own opinion. I never get involved with the referee - they do their job, the television images are there to see, they review points and decide one way or another".
Zidane: "We aren't top of the table because of refereeing decision"
If LaLiga will decided by refereeing decisions: "I don't think so, it's very easy to say those kinds of things. You, the press are here to talk about problematic issues but I'm sorry, no. This is a game and we are doing incredibly well, it's football. We are fully involved in our games, the players give everything they have out there. They deserve to be where they are. If you are telling me that we are where we are because of the referees… I don't get involved in these things. What I cannot accept is hearing others say we are where we are because of referee decisions. You have to respect Real Madrid and what we are doing".