Madrid striker Karim Benzema struck a post and Keylor Navas saved well from Athletic forward Inaki Williams during an even first half, and although Madrid had most of the ball after the break and pushed Athletic deeper and deeper Cristiano Ronaldo and company were unable to really test home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga over the 90 minutes.

There was late drama, however, with a second yellow for Blancos club captain Sergio Ramos -- an all-time record breaking 19th in La Liga and 24th in total for the Bernabeu outfit -- leaving his side forced to hang on for the point in the end.

With his team not having taken advantage of Barcelona's 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day, the Los Blancos coach claimed at the postgame news conference that his team had deserved more and he was disappointed for his players who had made a huge effort.

"I am very disappointed given the game we played," Zidane said. "We knew we had the chance to cut the gap. We did everything and deserved more today, but in the end did not manage to score that goal. We played very well, made chances, but the ball would not go in.

"I am very disappointed for the players, with the effort they put in. For them it is difficult. It would have been phenomenal to cut the gap today.There are three teams ahead who have more points, and deserve that.

"We are a bit back, but this is very long. We will have other chances to make up the gap on those above, for sure."

Madrid have scored just one goal and taken two points from their last three away games in La Liga, and Zidane agreed with a suggestion that a lack of goal scoring was main reason for his team being in fourth spot with their fewest points at this stage since 2008-09.

"Yes, if you score a goal you make up the two points," he said. "Today and at Atletico Madrid [0-0 two weeks ago] we deserved much more than the opponent. We played well, but just lacked a goal. If we scored in these games we'd have more more points. The goal is the most difficult thing to do.

"I remain positive and know this will change. I remember last season we scored late in games, this year we are not doing it, but for sure that will change."