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La Liga | Gameweek 38
May 22, 2021 at 5pm UK
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
VL

Real Madrid
2 - 1
Villarreal

Benzema (87'), Modric (90+2')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Pino (20')

Zinedine Zidane refuses to comment on Real Madrid future

:Headline: Zinedine Zidane refuses to comment on Real Madrid future:
Real had to settle for second even after coming from behind to defeat Villarreal in their final game of the season.
Sports Mole

Zinedine Zidane refused to discuss his Real Madrid future after they were dethroned as LaLiga champions by neighbours Atletico despite a stirring fightback in a 2-1 win over Villarreal.

Real had to settle for second even after coming from behind to defeat Villarreal in their final game of the season as Atletico did exactly the same at Real Valladolid to preserve their two-point lead at the top of the table.

While Diego Simeone was revelling in Atletico's first title triumph in seven years, Zidane was batting away questions about whether he will be in charge at Real next season after failing to win a trophy in this campaign.

"I'm not the most important thing here, it's all about what the players have done all season," the Frenchman said at his post-match press conference.

"That's why we should focus on what we've done during the season and then, in time, taking it calmly, we'll see what happens. I'll speak to the club in relaxed fashion, but later on, not right now.

"In the next few days we'll speak to the club, to the people we need to speak to and that's all there is to it. We'll soon see what happens, but not just with me, with Real Madrid as a whole for next season.

"Today is a day to congratulate my players. We gave it all we had on the pitch. We haven't won anything and the players want to win. I'm responsible for all that.

"There are things that are up to me and we're going to assess all of that. That's why I want to congratulate the players but what they really want is to win things."

The defending champions had to win their final match of the season and hope for a slip at the last by Atletico, who fell behind early on but rallied in the second half courtesy of goals from Angel Correa and Luis Suarez.

Atletico's result meant what happened at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano was irrelevant in the context of the title race, but Real ended their campaign with a flourish as Karim Benzema and Luka Modric struck late on.

"We have to congratulate Atletico Madrid, they deserve it too, because ultimately, the team that finish first deserve to win it," Zidane added.

"They've had a great season and that's all there is to it. As manager here, it's a tough one to take because we didn't win the league."

Villarreal took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of Yeremi Pino but their inability to hold on means they finished seventh and, as things stand, they will be in the Europa Conference League play-off round.

However, they take on Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday, and with a Champions League place on offer for the winner, Villarreal head coach Unai Emery was quick to draw a line under what happened on Saturday.

Villarreal boss Unai Emery turned his attention to Wednesday's Europa League final (Pablo Morano/AP)

"We wanted to reach the Europa League but it wasn't to be," he said. "We are going to the Conference League, although on Wednesday we will fight for 90 minutes to get into the Champions League.

"In the league, we've been consistent at some points, but irregular at other points, and we were punished because of that.

"Despite that, I'm happy with the team's attitude and behaviour. Lucky for us, the season doesn't end here, and we've got to fight next Wednesday for a lovely aim."

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512
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