Zidane preparing for his first real test as Real Madrid boss

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have four difficult games coming up which will serve as a genuine test for the Frenchman to prove that he has improved the team since replacing Rafa Benitez. They are games which could also go some way to demonstrating that Madrid have what it takes to fight for La Liga and the Champions League the season.

Due to the ‘Cheryshev Case’, Madrid have had to watch on as Barcelona made their way to the Copa del Rey final, while the Catalan side have also continued to set the pace in the league. 

For Madrid’s new boss, the four games in the next two weeks will be the most demanding since he took charge over a month ago. 

On February 13, Madrid take on Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ernesto Valverde’s side, who are still in the Europa League and are sixth in the table, are fighting for a European spot. Aritz Aduriz is enjoying a great season, firing in goals more frequently than he ever did in his younger years. 

Next up, on February 17, Zidane’s side travel to the Olimpico in Rome for their Champions League game with Roma. Madrid are the favourites on paper, but Barça were only able to draw there earlier this season. Pjanic is one of the Italian side’s main threats. 

Then, February 21, comes a visit to Malaga’s La Rosaleda. Javi Gracia’s side complicated things for Barça there this season (1-2 to Luis Enrique’s side in the end) and they also left the Bernabeu with a 0-0 draw. It will be a dangerous game.

Finally, on February 27, Real Madrid close this mini-series of games with the Madrid derby. Both Real and Atletico are still fighting for the league and there’s plenty to play for after the 1-1 draw at the Vicente Calderon. Antoine Griezmann is the star of Diego Simeone’s side and the danger man for Madrid to watch out for. 

Zidane will hope to have key players back soon - such as Gareth Bale - while he’ll also hope Cristiano Ronaldo can find his form again.