Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has defended his players ahead of facing Real Sociedad.

Madrid meet La Real on the back of a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

Solari said, "We've got a really busy month ahead of us, because we now have a game once every three days. The most important thing is that we keep our energy levels up in the matches and that we start to welcome the injured players back. It's also important that we don't pick up any more injuries.

"Footballers aren't machines. It's tough when you have to play a game every three days and we have to be ready for that and go out and compete. The key thing in the league is that we continue to climb the table, we've moved up from ninth to fourth and have to keep closing the gap because it's a battle right until the end. It's in situations of adversity that your character shines through. The LaLiga season and the campaign will be a battle until the end."