Zinedine Zidane has created Real Madrid's machine so strong that their opponents are unbeatable. On Sunday evening, Madrid team narrowly defeated Real Valladolid and for the fourth time in the last five games, they kept a "dry" net. Leading La Liga this season, Real have only conceded 13 goals in 21 games. Such defensive performance has only been achieved twice in history - during the 1987-88 and 1964-65 seasons. With 13 goals conceded, this season Madrid has the best defensive record among all teams in the top five European leagues - Spain, England, Italy, France, and Germany. Only two clubs have conceded one more goal - Atletico Madrid and Reims. Liverpool can also boast a good defense with only 15 goals conceded in 23 games. Thibaut Courtois has played a significant role in this successful defensive performance, keeping ten clean sheets in 18 league games this season. Left-back Ferland Mendy has also contributed significantly to the team's new identity, beating Marcelo for the starting position. Zidane often utilizes Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, and Mendy in defense this season.
