Schalke vs Real Madrid team news: Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo feature in attacking Champions League line-up

Holders travel to Germany for first-leg of Round of 16 tie

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for the Champions League tie against Schalke (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid are going on the offensive in the first-leg of their Round of 16 tie against Schalke.

Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema feature in a familiar looking front three. Ronaldo will be desperate to find the back of the net after experiencing a barren run by his standards which has covered the last three games.

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Isco, Toni Kroos and Lucas Silva fill the midfield and will offer much going forward themselves against their Bundesliga opposition.

A few key players are currently sidelined - among them centre-back Sergio Ramos and midfielders Luka Modric and James Rodriguez.

However Pepe returns at the back after a month out with a rib injury.

Schalke XI: Wellenreuther, Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Nastasic, Aogo, Hoger, Neustadter, Boateng, Choupo-Moting, Huntelaar.

Subs: Wetklo, Kirchhoff, Meyer, Fuchs, Ayhan, Barnetta, Platte.

Real Madrid XI: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Lucas Silva, Kroos, Isco, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Subs: Navas, Hernandez, Arbeloa, Nacho, Jese, Illarramendi, Medran.