Karim Benzema aiming to win second Liga title with hard-working Real Madrid side

Since replacing Rafa Benitez as manager in January, Zinedine Zidane has enjoyed a phenomenal start to his managerial career.

He led the world’s biggest club to their 11th European crown last season, lifting the Champions League trophy which he previously won as a Madrid player in 2001/02.

The French tactician has lost just 2/48 games across all competitions – the most recent of which came in early April, in a two-legged tie against Wolfsburg which Los Blancos ultimately won.

Madrid have since remained unbeaten in 33 matches, while rising to the top of the Liga table, with a six-point lead over arch-rivals Barcelona.

Zidane could take a huge, perhaps decisive, step towards clinching the title this weekend, as his team take on Barcelona in the Clasico.

Ahead of that tie, Benzema has spoken of his desire to secure his second Liga winners’ medal this season, while analysing the factors behind Madrid’s strong form.

The No.9 told the club’s official website: “The secret is work. There are no wins without hard work, without sacrifice.

“So when we go into training, we give it our very best, we all play for each other. If we think back to last year or any previous years, we have committed errors in the final minutes of the game, but we cannot afford to, we need to keep our focus and win.

"My objectives are always the same – to win titles. Keep scoring lots of goals, make decisive passes and keep playing for this great team."

"I would like to win La Liga as I’ve only won it once, but I’d also love to win the Copa del Rey or the Club World Cup, which is coming up."