Real Madrid's three New Year's resolutions

2018 kicked off for Real Madrid with a closed-door training session at Valdedebas. Players and coaching staff got together to begin the second half of the season in which they will attempt to forget the events that transpired in the pre-Christmas 'El Clasico'.

After the hefty and disappointing defeat at the Bernabeu, Zinedine Zidane granted his players six days to clear their minds and return for the second leg with three New Year's resolutions in sight.

Currently 14 points behind leaders Barcelona, Real Madrid need to get their La Liga bid back on track if they are to defend the title which is looking increasingly likely to be clinched by the Catalans.

'Los Blancos' are well aware of the difficult task ahead, but a string of victories could pile enough pressure on Valverde's men. Even if Barcelona don't cave, the positive inertia will prove useful in other competitions. The Copa del Rey has emerged as a major target this season and their Champions League rest largely on what they can achieve in the huge clash with PSG.

The Copa del Rey is the one competition Zidane has failed to lift since taking the reins at the Bernabeu, and it would be deemed a consolation prize due to the difficulty of winning La Liga. A third consecutive Champions League win is enough to salvage an inconstant season, but PSG will not make it easy.