Zidane: “We completed a great performance, the only thing missing was a goal”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press after the 0-0 draw against Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the 2019-2020 season. The French coach was satisfied about the performance of his players but at the same time he admitted that they deserved better than the draw.

“I am thrilled with the players’ attitude. We played a great game and only lacked a goal but that is football. When you have chances you have to score but we couldn’t do that in the final third. We have to congratulate the players because this was a tough place to come and play our great rivals. We did well and I feel satisfied. This most important thing is to create chances and play an open game, that is what we did. We could not score, but we are happy and proud of our players. We scored a lot of goals this season, so the lack of accuracy was down to today’s game. The players should be happy with what they did,” said Zidane.

While both Sergio Ramos and Emilio Butragueño shared their thoughts about the VAR’s decision not to intervene in the two potential penalties on Raphael Varane, Zidane stay calm and refused to add fuel to the fire.

“They did not look back at the play and you can’t do anything. I am not going to dwell on these things,” said the coach.

Gareth Bale featured in the starting lineup and completed a solid, committed performance. Zidane was happy with what he saw from the Welsh winger.

“He’s an important player and he showed that tonight. He played well and has to keep that up,” said the coach.

Real Madrid have collected two straight draws against Valencia and Barcelona but will be hosting those two teams later in the season. In the end, Real Madrid are still even on points with Barcelona having already visited Valencia, Atletico de Madrid, Sevilla and Barça during the first half of the season.

“The draws at Mestalla and tonight leave you feeling as if you want more. That’s the way of things in football, but we’re doing well in terms of our attitude and performance levels,” concluded Zidane.