Real coach Zidane concedes title hopes post Atletico drubbing

Following a 1-0 loss to local rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has admitted that winning the La Liga title is beyond their reach but insisted that his side will put their best foot forward in remaining games.

Antoine Griezmann scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute as Atletico strengthened their grip on second place in the Spanish league and stretched their lead over Real to four points.

The defeat also left Zidane's men nine points behind league leaders Barcelona.

"Before you ask, the league is over," the Frenchman was quoted as saying by goal.com. "It was always difficult. I told the players yesterday that if we lose points it will be more difficult.

"We are not going to throw the league away though, whatever happens."

The former attacking midfielder expressed that he was not happy with his side's performance, adding that his immediate focus would be towards the next game.