CONFIRMED lineups for Villarreal v Real Madrid

Following their dramatic triumph in the Champions League midweek, Real Madrid return to La Liga action pay a visit to the Estadio de la Ceramica. With Barcelona and Atletico not facing off until Sunday in this weekend's massive crunch, 'Los Blancos' have the chance to go first with a victory over 'El Submarino Amarillo', piling enormous pressure on their title competitors.

But Villarreal, who are currently knocking on the door for Champions League qualification, won't be an easy opponent to take on as they sit in fifth place after another impressive campaign. They are five points behind fourth-placed Athletic Club with a game in hand and have won three of their last five La Liga fixtures.

Ahead of the game, the hosts count the huge absences of Gerard Moreno and Kiko Femenia, with the pair not expected to make their comebacks until after the upcoming March international break. Both players have been missing since early February, joining long-term absentee Ilias Akhomach in the treatment room.

As for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has made some rotation after playing 120 minutes at the Metropolitano on Wednesday. Ferland Mendy added his name to the list of absentees against Atletico after suffering a hamstring injury, thus joining Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Jesus Vallejo and Dani Ceballos on the sidelines.

Villarreal's starting XI (4-4-2): Conde (GK); Foyth, Costa, Kambwala, Cardona; Buchanan, Gueye, Comesana, Baena; Pepe, Perez

Real Madrid's starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (GK); Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Camavinga; Brahim, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe.