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Pressure on Real Madrid intensifies for LaLiga top spot

It always seems that opposing teams are extra inspired to face Real Madrid, according to coach Zinedine Zidane, with the Valencia defeat still fresh in memory.

The French coach lamented how little time he has to prepare each match, as the business end of the season closes in on his squad.

"I watch all of our opponents games and they always seem to play with extra motivation against us, moreso than against other teams," the coach said. "We know that we can and should improve, since LaLiga is very long, and our opponents always put in the match of the season against us."

As to what went wrong at Estadio Mestalla, Zidane has analysed the game and everything that entails.

"I rewatched the match two or three times like I always do," he pointed out. "What happened in Mestalla can happen again, because that's football.

"We are working on it, because the opponent can always make things difficult for you, but we've had little time to prepare our next match - that's just how it is."

While this week of fixutres is sure to be important in the title race implications, the Real Madrid tactician knows how much of the tournament is left to play for.

"I don't think LaLiga will be decided this weekend," the French boss stated. "I remember last season, where we were a lot of points behind, but look at how far we took it."

Keeper Keylor Navas has raised some questions about his form, but the coach was satisfied with the Costa Rican's performances.

"I trust Navas a lot and that's what matters," he concluded. "I can't control what is said about him externally, but everything is under control.

"I trust Navas like I trust all of my players.

"We can all do better, myself included."