Zidane: 'Real Madrid can still catch Barcelona'

Real Madrid has enough time to claw back Barcelona's eight-point advantage in LaLiga, according to Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid can still win LaLiga despite falling eight points behind leaders Barcelona with Sunday's shock loss at Girona.

The champion slipped to a second league defeat of its title defence as the home side became the first promoted team to beat Los Blancos in 27 years.

 

Isco put Madrid ahead inside 12 minutes, but two goals in the space of four second-half minutes brought the visitor undone and left Zidane's side languishing in third.

The French coach defended the brittle display and affirmed his belief that the title race is far from over. "We know we can turn this around. We will have better days and the other teams will drop points too over the season," Zidane told reporters at his post-match press conference.

READ: Champion stunned by second-half fightback

"We lost three points unexpectedly [but] we want to win LaLiga, it is our day to day. I do not agree that we played badly. All the players made an effort. I am annoyed for them, as it was just details [which cost Madrid]. We will go home, rest, and get ready for Wednesday. The players are still motivated for LaLiga."

Madrid's disappointing afternoon was compounded by another setback for Raphael Varane, who is in doubt for the midweek Champions League clash at Tottenham after being forced off at half-time. "Varane has a small problem with his adductor, that's what I have been told," Zidane said.