Zidane: Champions League Madrid Derby a level playing field

Zinedine Zidane has deflected the favouritism tag away from his Real Madrid team ahead of their Champions League semi-final meeting with city rivals Atletico.

The first leg of the tie will be played at the Bernabeu with a spot in the final, hosted by Cardiff, on the line.

Madrid are unbeaten against Atletico in La Liga this season, winning 3-0 away from home at drawing 1-1 at home.

But coach Zidane insisted both teams would be dealing with a “50/50” playing field.

“We are not favourites. it is a semi-final. It is 50/50,” he said.

“Most ties are 50/50 and we just have to prove we are good enough. We will do everything in our power to win Tuesday night’s game.

‘We cannot think about the return leg. Our sole focus is on Tuesday night, then we will see and we will speak.”

Defender Dani Carvajal added that this instalment of the Madrid Derby means much more to both teams with European glory at stake.

“I have taken part in 15 derbies. They are all special,” he said.

“There is plenty of rivalry here in this city but this is more than a derby. It is the semi-final of the Champions League.

“So there will be plenty of motivation for us.”

The winner of the two-legged tie will face either Juventus or AS Monaco in the final.