Real Madrid showed unbelievable character and determination, asserts Zinedine Zidane

During the post match conference, Zinedine Zidane told reporters that he was happy with the attitude of his Real Madrid players as they earned a hard-fought victory away at Alaves. The win helped Madrid gain the top spot in the league for now, as Barcelona play Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano late on Sunday. Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal scored in the 2-1 win, with Alaves’ only goal via Lucas Perez penalty were sandwiched between the two Real goals. Los Blancos overcame a rainy and cold night at the Estadio de Mendizorroza and a strong opposition, making Zidane proud of the team efforts.

“It's very important victory, but [we will not be] looking at tomorrow's game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Winning at these grounds is what we live for. We played with lots of personalities. We played really seriously. We knew that we had to fight and we did it. We've got three points at a very difficult place to come,” said Zidane to Marca.

The French manager made several key and surprising changes in the starting lineup, with Alphonse Areola starting in goal in place of first-choice Thibaut Courtois. Welshman Gareth Bale also returned to the starting eleven alongside Eder Militao who partnered Sergio Ramos in central defence. The 13 time UEFA Champions League winners came into this game from a disappointing draw against PSG, a game they fully dominated and should have won.

“ Areola was today's decision. He's part of the squad, he trains well...He's part of the squad and he saved us, like Courtois sometimes does. He did fantastically well. Militao did very well and he has the right to play,” concluded the former Juventus player.