Real ready to expolit Barcelona slip-ups, says Zidane

Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane said his side would exploit any slip-ups by Barcelona after Sunday's 4-2 win over the leaders cut the deficit between the teams to six points.

Goals from Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul and Michael Owen were too much for a defensively suspect Barcelona, who scored through Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.

"It was very important to win because it leaves the league much more open. There are only seven games left and we have to keep fighting to the end, and try to capitalise when Barca drop points," Zidane told the sports daily Marca on Monday.

"Barcelona are a good team and they played a great game. It was a tough match because they had a lot of chances, and for the time being, they still deserve to be top of the table."

Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who once again pulled off some magnificent saves, took a similarly cautious line over Real's chances for overhauling Barca.

"We have achieved what we set out to do today, but it will all have been in vain if we don't go on to perform as well in our next game," said Casillas.

Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo's decision to play England striker Michael Owen up front alongside Ronaldo, moving Raul out to a wide position, paid dividends as Owen continued his rich vein of form with his 11th league goal of the season.

Owen scored Real's fourth after being released behind the Barca backline with a delightful pass from England team mate David Beckham.

"Six points is still a lot to make up but we will put pressure on Barca and try to do our best," Owen told reporters after the game.

"It would be nice to win the title here in my first year."

Ronaldinho's freekick near the end of the match was the one positive for Barcelona.

The Brazilian's goal means Barca edge Real 5-4 in a head-to-head on goals scored between the sides, should the two clubs finish the season level on points.

"It was a tough defeat to take against a great opponent, and we are obviously hurt by it," said Ronaldinho.

"We conceded goals in the most important moments of the game, and had chances ourselves but failed to take them. But we continue with an important advantage and are not going to lose heart."

Barca captain Carles Puyol added: "The result is deceptive. It is always hard when you lose but we are still the leaders, we have a six-point advantage, and we cannot allow our heads to drop."

Real's run in to the end of the season appears harder with trips to Sevilla and Real Zaragoza, and home games against Villarreal and city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona also have to play high-flying Villarreal and face their sternest test away to last year's champions Valencia.