<
>

Zinedine Zidane proud of Real Madrid win over Alaves, hails Isco

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hailed his team's ability to score when not playing at their best as they retained control of the La Liga title race with a 3-0 home win over Alaves on Sunday.

Karim Benzema's first-half goal set Madrid on their way, but Alaves dominated parts of the second period and Edgar Mendez missed a good chance to equalise.

But with five minutes remaining, Isco flashed in a near post shot from Cristiano Ronaldo's assist, with Nacho adding another late on.

At his postmatch news conference, Zidane pointed to their ability to conjure a goal even when not having a good spell.

"The second goal, for example," he said. "We were in difficulties, it was not a good moment as we had been losing the ball in midfield.

"Then the ball goes to Cristiano, who passes to Isco and he shoots and scores. We know we can do that in any moment. That is what this team has."

Zidane admitted the 3-0 scoreline was tough on the visitors, saying: "We played against a team who lately have been playing very well.

"In the first half we were very superior, made chances and scored.

"The second was a bit worse, above all in our possession of the ball. But in the end we managed to score three goals. It was maybe a bit harsh on them, but we kept a clean sheet too, which is very positive."

Ahead of nine games in April, including huge clashes with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and a Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, Zidane named a changed XI.

Of those who came in, Isco -- who has been linked with a move away in the summer -- stood out and ZIdane said: "When Isco plays, as he is a good player, he does very well. That's it. We are 24 players and everyone here is important.

"Isco is doing very well. What he wants to is to play here. I am very happy for his game, not just the goal, but helping the others play, getting between the lines. He played a complete game."

Centre-back Raphael Varane limped off after just nine minutes with an apparent hamstring injury on his return after six weeks out with a similar problem.

"Rafa has a problem in the same zone," Zidane said. "He thinks it is not as bad as three weeks ago. Hopefully it is small, but we will see with the tests."