Real Madrid are put through their paces by Zinedine Zidane as Los Blancos prepare for crucial derby against Atletico Madrid
La Liga leaders host Diego Simone's side on Saturday at the Bernabeu as they close in on first league title in five years
REAL MADRID go through the gears ahead of their clash against local-rivals Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Zinedine Zidane's side are eyeing an SEVENTH successive win but they will face a tough test against Diego Simeone's side, who have won three on the bounce.
Cristiano Ronaldo & Co took to the training field as the Portuguese star, who has netted 35 times this season, will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday afternoon.
Raphael Varane was absent from training but on the plus side for Zidane, the rest of his squad were involved.
Saturday's Madrid derby has added spice as it is Zizou's 300th game for Real Madrid, after making 227 appearances as a player and 73 as a coach.
Ahead of the landmark occasion, midfielder, Toni Kroos spoke very highly of the Frenchman, highlighting his skill of making players feel important.
The German told Uefa: "When he arrived about 15 months ago, the situation was not ideal in the club, nor in the team, but he changed everything.
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"Zidane created a very positive environment and defined a completely different direction from the one we had followed.
"I love working with him because we have a very good relationship, we think the same way about the style of play, and he also gives me the feeling of being important."
But although everything seems to be rosy in Zidane's camp, Simeone took a swipe at his own fans and Real Madrid fans at the same time.
Following Atletico Madrid's subdued 1-0 win over Real Sociedad last time out, the Argentine criticised his home supporters.
Simeone said: "Come on guys, are you asleep? What's wrong?" television images have shown him saying.
"There's not long left so cheer the team or else you'll be like Real Madrid's fans.
"Get rid of the sandwich and shout, because it's almost finished."