Zidane: I will always say that the league isn't over

As a result of Real Madrid's 2-2 draw with Levante on Saturday, Zinedine Zidane was upset, but he continued to maintain that he will never suggest the LaLiga title race is over.

After taking the lead twice, Los Blancos ultimately conceded an 88th minute goal to Giampaolo Pazzini, which leaves them 18 points behind Barcelona.

"I will always say that the league isn't over," he explained in his post-match press conference.

"There are many points left to play for, we have lost two today in a match we controlled.

"We needed to record a third successive victory and we couldn't do it."

Defensive mistakes were a hallmark of Los Blancos' evening and the late equalising goal was a perfect example of that, something which didn't escape the former Juventus midfielder.

"It was the second goal that cost us," he admitted.

"We controlled the match, especially the first half, then in the second we weren't ready to defend.

"We can avoid the second goal and we didn't.

"It's hard to accept because that is two more lost points."

Zidane took the eye-catching decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo just after Isco's goal and the Portuguese was visibly frustrated, however the Frenchman reiterated it was through a desire to strengthen in the midfield.

"I made the change because I wanted one more player in the middle," he confirmed.

"I needed more strength in the midfield; we were defending with Marco Asensio and Karim.

"Lucas had to come in, it was necessary to make the change."

Next up for Real Madrid is a home match against Real Sociedad.