Zidane Revealed how important Courtois in the title race

Real Madrid are on verge of lifting the laliga cup and real boss Zinedine Zidane has heap praise on Courtois, revealing his importance to Real Madrid's title push.

The Belgian, having initially struggled after arriving from Chelsea, has established himself as an unquestionable member of the starting XI.

"He's a very important player and a great influence," Zidane said when quizzed about his goalkeeper after the win over Alaves.

"It's a team effort, but Thibaut is stopping a lot of goals and we're doing very well."

Zidane's focus stayed on the side's defensive efforts as he made clear how happy he is with their work.

"Not conceding goals is impossible," he began, "but it's true that we're conceding very few.

"We have to keep doing what we're doing and we have a very fit Courtois.

"The team don't concede a lot."

Real Madrid's last three wins have been aided by penalties being awarded, but the Frenchman doesn't read too much into it.

"If there's a penalty then there's a penalty," he said.

"It was a good move. That's it.

"The important thing is that we score goals."

The title is now within touching distance with just five points needed to clinch it and it could be wrapped up as early as Monday evening.

"We're trying," Zidane continued.

"There are still three games to go and we don't know what will happen.

"Now it's time to rest because there's not a lot of time, although it is better to rest after a win."

James Rodriguez's time at the club looks set to end, but Zidane didn't give much away.

"I don't know," he simply responded when asked if the Colombian would play for the side again.