ZZ FLOP IS NOT END OF TITLE RACE

ZINEDINE ZIDANE insists Real Madrid’s ‘El Clasico’ clash with Barcelona today is not a must-win in their hunt for back-to-back titles.

La Liga and Champions League holders Real are 11 points adrift of leaders Barca after a mixed start to the season.

But Real boss Zidane (above) said: “We have to not think about the difference in points. I don’t think it’s a decisive match in terms of the league. You have to think positively.

“Even if we lose, the league will not be over. Every match will be a final and we’ll try to reduce the difference, but always staying calm and playing good football.

“Whatever happens, we’ll continue working and knowing it’s a very long season.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has been training on his own this week, but has been declared “100 per cent fit” to play. However, Gareth Bale (left) is set to start on the bench. Barca boss Ernesto Valverde said: “I don’t think we are favourites. The league table is of least importance in these games – they are very special games.”