Los Blancos boss Zidane reacts to Real Madrid critics

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has rejected criticism after their 1-1 draw with Villarreal.

Barca and Atletico face each other at the Wanda Metropolitano later on Saturday, when victory for either side would now prove even more valuable after another stumble from the reigning champions.

Mariano Diaz struck for Real as they battled to earn a point.

"There's nothing in it", Zidane said.

The last time neither of the two giants of Spanish football, Barcelona and Real Madrid, were not leading after the ninth matchday was in 2006, when Sevilla topped the table by one point from Barcelona, with Real fourth. I was annoyed because of the effort the boys put in.

Mariano was nearly sold last summer but had to stand in for Karim Benzema, who is injured, and Luka Jovic, who tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.

Zidane's Madrid are back in action on Wednesday, when they travel to San Siro to take on Inter in the Champions League.

The Super Eagles forward will shift his attention to Thursday's Uefa Europa League trip to Maccabi Tel Aviv before they visit league leaders Real Sociedad for their next La Liga match on November 29.

Villarreal protested the goal as the linesman had momentarily flagged for offside against Lucas Vazquez, who never made contact with the ball, and Dani Carvajal picked it up before crossing to Mariano.

Moreno leveled from the penalty spot after Courtois brought down Samuel Chukwueze, who was clean through on goal.