Ronaldo back for Schalke clash

Real Madrid welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo for tonight's Champions League last-16 first leg clash against Schalke in Gelsenkirchen.

The FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, who scored a competition-record nine goals in the group stage, returns after serving a three-match suspension in La Liga for his sending-off against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month.

Ronaldo's availability is a further boost in confidence for the Spanish giants who travel to the Veltins Arena in a hugely impressive form.

The nine-time European champions are unbeaten in 27 games in all competitions, of which they have won 23.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have also kept 13 clean sheets in their last 15 games, helping them through to the final of the Copa del Rey and to open up a three-point lead over Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the Primera Division standings.