Getafe were not to be underestimated ahead of the Madrid derby as they continue their campaign to finish in a Champions League qualifying spot. They sit just one spot behind Real Madrid in LaLiga as they post the best performance in the club's history to date.
Zidane, however, felt he could name a slightly unorthodox line-up giving game time to Reguilon, Brahim and Fede Valverde as well as Gareth Bale. The Welshman was chosen to start over Marco Asensio despite looking likely to leave the Bernabeu during the summer.
Sergio Ramos was left out of the squad through injury, meaning Getafe's Mata and Molina would face Nacho and Varane with Keylor Navas in goal ahead of Thibaut Courtois.
The majority of the first-half played out on a fairly level playing field with both teams creating clear chances. Karim Benzema was Madrid's playmaker, linking up with Bale often to threaten Getafe's goal.
David Soria was strong in goal and the defence were efficient in cutting out any sign of danger. Likewise, Varane and Reguilon lived up to expectations, denying Getafe many chances to advance into the box.
The closest chance of the half came through Arambarri for Getafe who whipped a free-kick around the wall from close range requiring Keylor Navas' lightning quick reactions to keep hold of the ball and prevent Getafe from taking the lead.
Towards the end of the first-half, Madrid started to dominate possession but it was Getafe who had more shots on target, registering two in comparison to Madrid's zero.
Zidane had plenty of big names in his locker to call upon if necessary, such as an old favourite Luka Modric, or the relatively new talent, Lucas Vasquez.
It was indeed Madrid who came out stronger after the break and the likes of Carvajal and Bale really started to test David Soria in goal for Getafe. Three key saves in a row kept the home side in it but Real were gaining confidence.
Getafe struggled to find their first-half rhythm until Molina and Mata both came close to breaking the deadlock around the 75 minute mark. Navas first saved Molina's shot from the right hand side of the box which rebounded to find Mata on the left. The Real keeper was already back on his feet before Mata could line up his shot. Getafe's Champions League spark was reignited.
Zidane decided that enough was enough, using all three substitutions to introduce Kroos, Lucas Vasquez and Marco Asensio in an attempt to steal the three points.
All three managed to inflict potential danger in front of goal but David Soria upheld his stellar performance until the close of play. The same can be said for Keylor Navas whose saves undeniably kept Real in the game.
Both sides remain where they are in the league, Getafe fourth and Madrid third, as the home side will be continue their push for Champions League qualification until the end of the season.
Real Madrid won't be quite as content with a goalless draw but such a result against the team one spot below them in the league is certainly not the end of the world during a season in which Barcelona have dominated again.