Real Madrid vs Leganes - Zidane demands improvement after Champions League slip-up

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane admits his side must improve on their midweek Champions League draw with Legia Warsaw and accept the criticism that followed.

The reigning European holders were cruising with a 2-0 lead in Poland after goals from Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema but found themselves 3-2 down with five minutes remaining before Mateo Kovacic spared the LaLiga side's blushes to earn a point.

Los Blancos remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and while they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 10 matches, it does not seem to bother Zidane too much if they continue to go undefeated.

The former France international said ahead of his side's clash with Leganes on Sunday: "I've lived with criticism for 30 years, I'll try to improve things and nothing more.

"Criticism will always be there, the only thing I want is to forget this match because it was a strange game.

"We must improve, that's very clear, but I will not make excuses - we have to work in the defensive areas.

"It's part of football, I don't like it and neither do the players. Conceding goals is a matter for everyone, not just the back four. It means we all must improve and try again on Sunday not to concede."

Captain Sergio Ramos (knee), Pepe (thigh) and Casemiro (leg) all remain sidelined as Real host the LaLiga debutants at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Alvaro Morata set to replace Benzema in the forward line alongside Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo after the Frenchman picked up a knock to his hip.

There is some positive injury news with Marcelo and Luka Modric returning to training this week and Zidane revealed the Croatian is likely to part some part on Sunday evening.

"Modric is with us and the idea is to give him minutes," he said. "We will see, the important thing is that he is fine and has fully recovered.

"Benzema won't play because he has had some discomfort since the match against Legia. We've noticed something but we don't yet know exactly what the issue is so we are not going to risk him."

One player who is unlikely to start is James Rodriguez. The Colombian has been a bit-part player since Zidane's arrival but he insists the midfielder is vital to his plans.

He said: "James has had less minutes but the idea I have with him is the same - I think he's an important player on the team.

"I try to show the group that they are all important. I know the player wants to play more, like everyone else, but I will not change anything."

Leganes sit in 16th place in the LaLiga table, just one point above the relegation zone, but boss Asier Garitano spoke about his belief in their long-term plan and hopes his team can deliver that for their fans.

He said: "The idea is that all our people feel proud to see our players compete against Real Madrid. It's a great opponent and a big stage. The objective is that Leganes can return in the coming years to the Bernabeu."

One player who could cause the league leader's weakened defence problems is tricky Argentinian winger Alexander Szymanowski, the club's top goalscorer with three goals in eight domestic matches this season.