Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane admits rivals Atletico Madrid are FAVOURITES

Zinedine Zidane has conceded that Atletico Madrid are the favourites for the LaLiga title ahead of the Madrid derby this weekend. 

Diego Simone’s side have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Spanish top-flight season and have a one point lead over second-placed Real Sociedad with two games in hand. 

Zidane’s Real, who are the reigning Spanish league champions, sit six points behind Atleti having played a game more than their city rivals and Los Blancos have already dropped points on five occasions in their first eleven games.

Zinedine Zidane has admitted that rivals Atletico Madrid are favourites for the LaLiga title

Atleti are unbeaten in the league after ten games and are on a seven-game winning run

When Zidane was asked in a press conference whether Atleti are now favourites for the LaLiga crown, the Frenchman responded: ‘Yes, for sure. That is what they’re showing. 

‘They are doing well on the pitch, they are winning. They have always been a competitive team and they are top of the table today.’

‘We’ll have to deal with what they do well. Atleti are a team that always compete, they have for a long time, that’s what I expect. As for the rest, we’ll look at what we will do, that is what interests me more.’

Diego Simeone’s (right) side lead Real Madrid by six points going into this weekend’s derby

Simeone’s Atleti are currently on a seven-game winning run in the league which stretches back to the middle of October and has comprised of some difficult games including 1-0 wins over Valencia and Barcelona. 

Los Rojiblancos have also gone eleven games without a loss, the last time being a 4-0 defeat at the hands of European champions Bayern Munich. 

Real Madrid, meanwhile, brought a three-game winless run in the league to an end last weekend with an impressive 1-0 win away at Sevilla. Zidane’s side had previously lost at home to Alaves and away to Valencia either side of a draw with Villarreal. 

Zidane’s (right) Real Madrid side have been inconsistent in their form and lie in fourth place

Los Blancos also sealed their spot in the Champions League knockout rounds with a 2-0 home win against Borussia Moenchengladbach in midweek.  

Despite contrasting forms between the two sides going into Saturday night’s derby at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, Zidane claims his side are just focused…