Zinedine Zidane: Real Madrid the game because of the first 10 minutes
The French coach added that La Liga was never going to be won or lost at Mestalla
Zinedine Zidane bemoaned losing the game to Valencia in the first 10 minutes as his Real Madrid side were beaten 2-1 on Wednesday.
Simone Zaza and Fabian Orellana both scored early goals to leave Madrid with a mountain to climb at Mestalla.
They did pull one back through Cristiano Ronaldo, but were unable to get anything from the game as they failed to increase their lead at the top of the table over Barcelona and Sevilla.
"We lost the game because of the first 10 minutes. We were too open and a poor touch really ruined us. We made two mistakes and they scored two goals," Zidane said.
"After that, we had 80 minutes to try and win and get back into the game, but we lacked in many areas and we missed the chance to pick up points.
"They retreated well, credit to them. They played together and dealt with that we had."
And he added: "We knew coming into the game that we were going to suffer in La Liga, but also that it wasn't going to be decided today, win or lose.
"Now we have to rest and think about our next game on Sunday [away at Villarreal]."
