By hook or by crook, Real Madrid once again found a way. Now, their attention returns to La Liga as they aim to reach the division's summit.

After edging past Rayo Vallecano and squeaking beyond their crosstown rivals in the Champions League round of 16, this has the potential to be an excellent week for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Victory at the home of the Yellow Submarine on Saturday evening will see them move three points clear at the top before Barcelona travel to the Metropolitano to round off the weekend's action. Madrid certainly wouldn't mind a draw between their two title rivals.

However, it's imperative that they get the job done in Castellon. Here's how Ancelotti could set his Madrid team up at Villarreal.

GK: Thibaut Courtois - The Belgian didn't make a save in the shootout on Wednesday yet Madrid prevailed. After earning a domestic breather last week, Courtois is expected to retain his place.

RB: Lucas Vazquez - His miss from 12 yards didn't prove costly in midweek, and Ancelotti could return the skipper to his backline after Wednesday's slog. Vazquez scored on this ground last season.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - The high-stepping German delivered when it mattered most, and his importance to this Madrid backline means he won't be coming out of the XI this weekend.

CB: David Alaba - The experienced defender has been eased in since returning from an ACL tear, recording a couple of starts. He could make another on Saturday, replacing the impressive Raul Asencio.

LB: Fran Garcia - Garcia's a shoo-in for the next few outings after Ferland Mendy suffered a hamstring injury in midweek.

DM: Federico Valverde - The Uruguayan took the armband in Vazquez's absence and has shown he can perform as a right-back to an incredibly high level. However, he's a midfielder by trade and Ancelotti's tinkering could facilitate his return to the middle of the park.

DM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The former Monaco starlet is coming into his own in the Spanish capital, and he'll likely share the load with Eduardo Camavinga this weekend.

RW: Rodrygo - The fourth pillar in Madrid's star-studded attack, Rodrygo has enjoyed a superb season but enters this contest off the back of a subdued showing in midweek.

AM: Jude Bellingham - The England international stepped up in the shootout and delivered without breaking a sweat after a dogged 120-minute display laden with character. That would've taken it out of him, but he'll be desperate to retain his place in the XI on Saturday.

LW: Vinicius Junior - The Brazilian endured a tough outing at the Metropolitano but he's rediscovered his scoring form in La Liga with a couple of strikes in recent weeks after a lengthy drought.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Mbappe didn't find the back of the net across 210 minutes in the round of 16, but the Frenchman has been relentless in the Spanish top-flight this term. He and Robert Lewandowski are locked in a fierce tussle for the Pichichi.

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