Zinedine Zidane is bracing Real Madrid for another testing away day on the east coast of Spain as the league leaders travel to Villarreal on the back of an unexpected midweek defeat in Valencia.
Madrid would have moved four points clear at the summit if they had beaten lowly Valencia in what was the first of two games they had in hand on all their title rivals.
However, two early goals at the Mestalla consigned the European champions to a 2-1 loss - only their second league reverse of the season - and brought to an end a four-match winning streak in LaLiga.
Madrid coach Zidane has told his side they cannot dwell on that setback, though, as they now take on a Villarreal side who, with only 15 goals conceded in 23 games this season, boast the meanest defence in the division.
The Frenchman said in his pre-match press conference: ``It (Valencia game) was a chance to pick up points, we didn't and that's that. We need to think about tomorrow's game and the chance to get back to winning. What's happened has happened.
``That we're now facing the team with the least goals conceded in LaLiga makes it more difficult still. We know that they are very good opponents, defensively organised and who defend as a block.''
Zidane has also told his players they need to get used to teams raising their games against Madrid.
``We know that we must always look to keep on improving, because for the teams we are playing their game of the year is against Madrid. I've watched teams we've been playing in some of their previous matches and I don't see the same side that plays us,'' he said.
``That's normal, to play against Madrid is an extra motivation and we have to take that into account.''
Madrid suffered a blow ahead of the trip to El Madrigal with news that centre-back Raphael Varane is facing up to six weeks out through injury.
Fellow defender Danilo is also sidelined but Pepe is available while Zidane says Gareth Bale is ``at 100 per cent'' after recovering from his lengthy injury lay-off.
Villarreal go into the match on the back of a creditable 1-0 Europa League victory over Roma on Thursday, although a 4-0 first-leg defeat at home spelled the end of their continental adventure.
Now the Yellow Submarine will switch their full attention to getting back into Europe again next season, with the club currently sixth in LaLiga, six points adrift of Atletico Madrid in fourth.
Coach Fran Escriba said: ``We trust in our possibilities and we want to win to achieve our objectives.
``Real Madrid are always the favourites in every game they play, but we've always competed well against the big sides and I have faith that we will have our chances to win.''
Villarreal will be without injured duo Jose Angel Valdes and Nicolas Sansone for the clash.
Team News
Villarreal
Nicola Sansone is struggling with a knock, so Cedric Bakambu and Adrian are expected to start despite Roberto Soldado's return to fitness.
Jaume Costa should be preferred to Jose Angel at left-back, with Fran Escriba not likely to make many alterations after winning away against Roma midweek.
Samu Castillejo should retain his place in the side over Roberto Soriano, despite the Italian midfielder returning from suspension this weekend.
Real Madrid
Raphael Varane misses out due to injury, with Pepe likely to come into the side at centre-back ahead of Nacho.
Lucas Vazquez should be preferred to James Rodriguez out on the right-hand side, with Gareth Bale not fit enough to be deployed from the off.
Karim Benzema is likely to retain his place up front, with Zinedine Zidane not looking to make wholesale changes despite their midweek loss against Valencia.
Match Facts
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Villarreal's last 7 games (La Liga).
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Real Madrid's last 8 away games (La Liga).
Real Madrid are undefeated in 12 of their last 13 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
Villarreal are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches (La Liga).
Prediction
Villarreal have lost just two of their last 12 matches at La Ceramica, which has been enough to keep them in the hunt for European football despite not churning out their usual good performances.
The Yellow Submarine have kept just one clean sheet in their last four La Liga games at home, which is something that Real Madrid should look to exploit while trying to get back on song.
A 2-1 away defeat against Valencia is the worst possible preparation for Real Madrid's weekend excursion, with the pressure mounting on Zidane's men to not slip up at the top of the table.
Prediction:
Villarreal logo Villarreal 1 1 Real Madrid Real Madrid logo
