Los Blancos look to keep heat on at top of La Liga
Real Madrid meet Villarreal at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday looking to add to a good recent run of form, while the Yellow Submarine will hope to bounce back from a poor weekend result.
Despite their 2-1 defeat at Rayo Vallecano, though, the visitors will be in relatively high spirits after reaching the Europa League semi finals on Thursday, beating Sparta Prague to set up a meeting with Liverpool.
Los Blancos also enjoyed European success, reaching the same stage of the Champions League, where they will face Premier League side Manchester City.
Real's title charge has been kickstarted since the victory over league leaders Barcelona on April 2. Zinedine Zidane's side currently sit third, just a point off the Blaugrana and 15 ahead of Villarreal, who lead the race for the fourth Champions League spot.
Injuries and suspensions
Zinedine Zidane once again has a full strength squad to choose from, with Danilo returning from suspension.
Captain Sergio Ramos is likely to be recalled after missing Saturday's 5-1 victory over Getafe, while Luka Modric looks set to start after starting last game on the bench.
Villarreal will welcome back both Bruno and Antonio Rukavina from respective bans, but could be without Tomas Pina, Jaume Costa and Samu Castillejo through injury.
History:
Marcelino will take heart from his side's 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture at El Madrigal back in December, but this is a completely different Real Madrid side.
The exit of then boss Rafa Benitez and introduction of Zidane to the hot seat has changed the feeling around the club, and a repeat result would be a surprise.
In 25 past meetings between the sides, Real Madrid have the clear upper hand, winning 13, drawing nine and losing just three.
Player to watch:
Cedric Bakambu. If Villarreal are to spring a surprise, he will need to be heavily involved.
The 25-year-old Congolese international striker has netted an impressive 12 goals in 30 La Liga games this season, leading the line impressively with former Tottenham Hotspur man Roberto Soldado in a supporting role in behind.
His pace and strength will create problems for a defence which has been less than solid at times this season, with Real conceding 30 goals, two having come against Wednesday's opponents.