Real Madrid legend Raul has urged his teammates to keep going until the end of the season despite seeing their title chances fade.

The defending Primera Liga champions have all but conceded defeat to bitter rivals Barcelona in the race to claim Spain's top-flight crown given that Barca now only require one point from a possible nine to finish top.

Despite enduring failure both domestically and in the Champions League, Raul is adamant that Real must put their disappointments behind them and play for professional pride against Villarreal on Saturday.

"We have to win all our games, but the league is obviously very difficult because Barcelona only need a point from three games," he told Marca.

"Our situation is not easy after the losses to Barcelona and Valencia, but we have to defend our club and to show that we are a big team," said Raul whilst also reiterating that Real's looming presidential elections will not hamper things on the pitch.

"The members are the ones who have to look at the candidates, I expect the elections will be good, calm and that the members will have their say," he explained.

"Each candidate will come with their own project, but the players have to think about winning against Villarreal and to finish the season as best we can. The members are the ones who should vote and we should be outside of that."