"It's always about looking for positives," Zidane told a pre-match press conference. "I've seen a change in the team since our chat. Now we have to reflect that on the pitch."

"We're not struggling to find our play, we're just lacking the continuity we need to get our confidence back, and we can only find that by winning games."

Villarreal are sixth in La Liga, just four points behind Real and Zidane added: "Our concentration will be at 100 per cent because we're up against very good opposition, who are having a fantastic season. They have not lost many games."

Karim Benzema has resumed training following injury but will not be rushed back into action, while Sergio Ramos is expected to miss out.

Villarreal coach Javi Calleja will be without suspended defender Victor Ruiz for the trip to Madrid, while the likes of Bruno, Roberto Soriano and Andres Fernandez remain sidelined through injury.

Potential lineups: 

Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Isco; Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Villarreal: Asenjo; Mario Gaspar, Álvaro, Bonera, Jaume Costa; Castillejo, Rodri, Trigueros, Fornals; Bacca and Unal.