OMNISPORT

Elche probably winced at the sight of Cristiano Ronaldo scoring ahead of their home clash with Real Madrid on Sunday.

Ronaldo had not found the net for Liga leaders Real in a month due to suspension and a rare blip in form. But he returned to the scoresheet in his side's 2-0 UEFA Champions League win at Schalke on Wednesday, a result that gives the holders an excellent chance of reaching the quarter-finals, with the second leg of the last-16 tie penned in for March 10.

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Ronaldo's goal - his 37th in the season in all competitions - is sure to lift his confidence against an Elche side he has tormented in the past. The 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or winner has made just two appearances against Elche, but has bagged six times in the process.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas feels Ronaldo's header in the Schalke win is crucial for his confidence.

"When Cristiano goes one, two or three games without scoring, even though [he] continues to provide assists, it's treated as big news," he told the club's official website.

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Elche were thrashed 6-0 by Barcelona last month, but come into the Real clash on the back of successive victories. They kept a clean sheet in both, too, as triumphs over Rayo Vallecano and Eibar moved them further away from the relegation zone.

Four wins in their seven Liga matches in 2015 represents a significant turnaround, but adding to that tally this weekend would be a major shock.

James Rodriguez (toe) and Luka Modric (thigh) will be absent for Real, but any chance of an upset seems unlikely - particularly given Ronaldo's return to form.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

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MATCH FACTS

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