Alonso; Ronaldo is primed for return.

A "frustrated" Cristiano Ronaldo is primed to return to action after missing three games due to suspension, according to Real Madrid team-mate Xabi Alonso.
The Portugal international was forced to serve a three-match domestic ban after being sent off against Athletic Bilbao at the beginning of February, but is in line to start against Schalke in Wednesday's Champions League last-16, first-leg tie.

And Alonso believes the leading scorer during the tournament's group stage is as focused as ever as he looks to put the ban behind him.
"He's been frustrated these last few days, but obviously for him not to play three games after Bilbao was unfair," Alonso told a press conference.

"But it's water under the bridge. He looks the same as ever. It's an important competition and everyone is very focused."
Madrid have enjoyed an impressive run of form since the winter break and Alonso is eager for his side to maintain their momentum against Schalke.

"They have players who've played a lot in the Champions League. We come here with the utmost respect. We expect a tough game," the midfielder continued.
"It's difficult to compare things with previous years, but we're in a good moment. We're progressing, and we cannot stop.
"We have to keep improving over the coming games. We're very solid, very compact, we know how to play, how to approach games."

Madrid's run of form, which has seen them seal a three-point lead at the top of La Liga, has been in part due to a change in system from coach Carlo Ancelotti, and Alonso believes his side's tactical flexibility can pay dividends as they push for silverware.
"With the 4-3-3, I play in front of the defence," the Spain international mused. "That changes responsibilities. The good thing is we can play with multitple systems, not just one."
On other hand:
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insists Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Schalke is more than just a battle between star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Former Blancos forward Huntelaar is set to make his first appearance in this season's competition in the last-16, first-leg tie in Gelsenkirchen, while Ronaldo is also set to start after sitting out last weekend's Primera Division meeting with Elche, the final game of his three-match ban in La Liga.
While the pre-match focus has been primarily on the duel between the attacking duo, Ancelotti has warned his side against focusing solely on nullifying Huntelaar.

"Ronaldo is especially motivated because he wants to play. He wasn't happy with the sanction. He has trained very well during this time," Ancelotti told a press conference.
"Ronaldo's condition is optimal for tomorrow [Wednesday].
"I don't think it's an individual duel between Ronaldo and Huntelaar. Huntelaar is a very good striker, a very good player across the attack, we have to be careful with him. But the match is between Madrid and Schalke.

"Schalke have a very well-organised defence, with very good young players like [Max] Meyer and [Julian] Draxler and others with experience like Huntelaar and [Kevin-Prince] Boateng.

"They play concrete football, not spectacular, but solid, with good organisation. They play very well together, they have quality.
"It will be a game with a lot of intensity. Schalke will try to do everything to win, that's clear. We will have to give everything."Ancelotti, who confirmed Gareth Bale is also set to start the match, admitted he is eager for his side to find the missing ingredient in their Champions League endeavours, after being knocked out at the semi-final stage for three consecutive seasons.

"Nothing changes," the Italian argued. "I'm here to do my very best in all competitions. Everyone knows the Champions League is the most important competition in the world."Reaching the semi-finals three times is special, the work was good, but we missed something, I don't know what."