Zinedine Zidane expecting a tough challenge from Real Zaragoza

Zinedine Zidane expects a tough challenge when his Real Madrid side travel to face Real Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Los Blancos are currently top of LaLiga, three points clear of Barcelona, but Zidane said Wednesday’s game remains the most important.

“It’s a very difficult game,” Zidane told the club website.

“The opposition look in great shape in the Segunda Division and are fighting for promotion.

“We know the players they have and we have to go into the game with the utmost focus and intensity because we know tomorrow’s game is our most important right now.”

“This is a Copa del Rey clash, it’s our next job and we want to give it our best. We prepare to be in great shape and do a good job on the pitch when the games come around.”

Eden Hazard will miss the cup tie, and has not returned to team training yet following an ankle injury, as will Mariano.

Fernandez told the club website: “We are going to fight a giant, but in football everything is possible and anything can happen.

“Whatever the result, we have already won,” and insisted his side will show “rigour, competitiveness, commitment and respect for the shirt, although our priority is clearly in the league.”