Karim Benzema says Real Madrid are still confident despite El Clasico defeat

Karim Benzema says Real Madrid has regained its confidence despite this weekend’s defeat in El Clasico.

The France international went on to say Madrid have not thrown in the towel, and is maintaining belief they can catch league leading Barcelona with ten matches to play.

La Blaugrana now hold a four point advantage over Madrid after Sunday’s 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou.

“It’s a shame. Above all else, we wanted to win,” Benzema said ahead of today’s training session with France in Clairefontaine.

“We created chances and we played well. It was great to have Modric back. He always plays on the attack and that’s why he’s so important to us. We’ve missed him.

“We have to keep believing. Barca have some tough fixtures. They have to play Sevilla away and then Valencia at home.

“It’s up to us to win all our remaining fixtures and hope that Barcelona slip up somewhere. Anything can happen and we aren’t throwing in the towel.

“We’re still focused on La Liga and the Champions League.”

Madrid still have important matches remaining against Sevilla (away) and Valencia (home). While Barcelona face a tricky league fixture this weekend against Celta Vigo (away), as well as games against: Sevilla (away), Valencia (home) and Atletico Madrid (away).

Last Friday, Real Madrid were drawn alongside Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the crucial second leg to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Benzema is aware of the threat Atletico poses to his side’s chances of retaining its European title since Los Blancos have failed to beat their Madrid rivals in six meetings this season (four losses and two draws in all competitions).

“It is going to be tough, it always is,” the striker added. “But Real Madrid always raise their game for the Champions League. We’re thrilled to be playing in Europe.”