Sporting Lisbon boss Jorge Jesus has claimed that Zinedine Zidane has made Real Madrid "stronger" since taking control of the Spanish giants at the start of 2016.

Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez as head coach of Los Blancos on January 4 and led the team to an 11th Champions League title last season, in addition to running Barcelona close for the La Liga title.

Ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Sporting, Jesus has paid tribute to the qualities of the Frenchman, who managed Real Madrid Castilla between 2014 and 2016.

"With Zidane, this Real Madrid team is stronger. They are no longer a team of individuals, they are a team. They are a stronger opponent now than at any point over the past few years, but we will play to win," Jesus told reporters.

Real Madrid recorded a 4-0 victory when they welcomed Sporting to the Bernabeu in the group stages of the 2000-01 Champions League.