Isco: “I feel more comfortable there, but that is not an excuse”

Real Madrid midfielder Isco has credited manager Zinedine Zidane’s change of formation for his exceptional performance in Los Blancos’ 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old Spanish international flourished behind Cristiano Ronaldo in a 4-4-2 formation at the Vicente Calderon.

Following the match he told reporters: "I feel more comfortable there, but that is not an excuse (for other games)."

"I always try and do the best I can."

"I am happy with my work and the team’s work. Winning 0-3 here is difficult and it is something to be proud of."

"We got back to defend very well, and it was a very complete game."

Injuries forced the manager to abandon his preferred 4-3-3 formation and opt for the 4-4-2, a move that proved to be vital for the visitors.

"During the week we were working on this system and it worked out well in the end," Isco said.

"We played perfectly, understanding each moment in the game and we are happy with the three points."

"We went into the game really fired up, we had a lot of the ball and we got the first chances."

"After the goal perhaps we eased off a bit but we knew how to grind Atletico down and we got an overwhelming result."

Despite Madrid’s win moving them four points clear of second-placed Barcelona and a further nine ahead of Atletico, Isco insists there is still a long way to go.

"There is a long way to go in La Liga," he added.

"In other years we were ahead and did not know how to stay consistent."

"We are taking the three points, but we must just keep going like this."