Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane admits that his side's 7-3 defeat to Atletico in pre-season was a wake-up call.
Los Blancos were thrashed by their city rivals in an International Champions Cup clash in New Jersey, but are now on the verge of winning LaLiga.
"I'm sure it changed something," Zidane said on Wednesday when asked about the loss last July. "We can't be happy with what happened there because it stays, whatever happens next.
"The important thing is to pick yourself up, to work. I was very angry that day, just like all the players."
Madrid need just two points from their remaining two fixtures to be crowned champions for the first time since 2016-17 and a win at home to Villarreal on Thursday will see Zidane's side seize the title from Barcelona.
"The special thing is the energy you give every day," the Frenchman said. "That's what motivates us. We don't know what will happen until it happens."
