Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane admits he's at a loss to explain their spiraling form slide after defeat to Villarreal.

Pablo Fornals netted late on to earn the visitors a 1-0 win.

Zidane said, “It is hard to explain. We tried everything. We had clear chances, but the ball would not go in. There is no explanation. This is a bad run that won't stop, and it is not good for my players. I can't criticise them. This is simply a bad moment and a tough defeat to take on board because we didn't deserve that. Amidst all the negatives we have to look for some positives and on Thursday we have a chance to put things right.

“We have done everything possible to win but this is what we're left with. The ball didn't want to go in. We tried as best we could and I can't really offer any explanation. We have games still to come and we can turn this around. We have gone through good times but now we are up against it and we know that. We must focus on what is going to change. We must keep working hard and win some games. Today was a hammer blow but we are going to turn things around on Thursday."

Asked about his players' mentality, Zidane conceded confidence is low.

“It might be a mental aspect that is stopping us from winning. When we are on a bad run there are always negatives to pick up on. We shot on target but didn't score, when there were rebounds we were not on the end of them. This can wear you down mentally. We need to keep plugging away in search of the next win. We did everything possible to win and I honestly cannot reproach my players for their actions. I am not happy but nor do I feel beaten. This is another chance to show that we can turn this situation around. After a game like this, things are tough, but we can turn this around."