Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 7y

Zinedine Zidane: Barcelona win not decisive; Gareth Bale in Real squad

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said that Sunday's Clasico at home to Barcelona will not be decisive in the La Liga title race, while confirming that Gareth Bale has returned from injury to make the matchday squad.

La Liga leaders Madrid go into the game at the Santiago Bernabeu three points ahead of second-placed Barca, having played a game less than their rivals, meaning victory would put them six clear of Luis Enrique's side, who would have just five games left to play.

Many believe a win for Madrid would all but confirm a first Liga Liga title in five seasons, allowing them to turn their attention to their Champions League semifinal against neighbours Atletico Madrid.

However, Zidane told his prematch news conference that all there is to play for on Sunday is the three points, just like in any other match.

"Tomorrow's game will not be decisive, as we have seven finals left to play," Zidane said. "From here until the end of the season we will go day to day. We have a game on Wednesday against Deportivo [La Coruna], then Valencia [next Saturday]. All games are important. Games against Barcelona are special, like derbis against Atletico, they are different. But what we are playing for is the same -- three points. When the referee whistles, it is another game, which we need to manage, to do our jobs well and nothing else."

Bale picked up his latest calf injury at Bayern Munich on April 12, and subsequently missed last week's 3-2 La Liga win at Sporting Gijon and Tuesday's 4-2 Champions League quarterfinal second-leg victory against the German champions.

The Wales international has stepped up his recovery in training this week and will be on the bench at least on Sunday, according to Zidane.

"Bale will be with us tomorrow," he said. "Then you will see if he starts or not."

Despite Barca's recent troubles, including losing four of their last six away games and Wednesday's Champions League exit to Juventus, Zidane said he did not see his side as favourites for Sunday's game.

"Maybe outsiders might think one team is favourite more than others, but not us," he said. "We know we are playing a great team, who in any moment can put you in difficulty. Small details from one team or the other will make the difference. But we [also] know that if we start strong, with intensity and rhythm, we can cause trouble for any opponent."

Zidane said that Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, scorer of a hat trick to see his team past Bayern on Tuesday, is ready to turn in another big performance against Barca.

"Physically, mentally, morally, he is ready for tomorrow's game," he said. "We always talk about Cristiano on the big days, and he has shown why on Tuesday, and he will again tomorrow. He is very important for us, he is a very positive person. Tomorrow is a big game, everyone will be watching, and my players will be the principal actors."

Zidane would not be drawn on a late legal manoeuvre from Barca aimed at freeing Neymar from suspension so he can feature at the Bernabeu.

"I do not know about that," he said. "It is not my area, we will see tomorrow what happens. We will play against whatever team is out there."

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