Carlo Ancelotti: 'Gareth Bale will start tomorrow'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Gareth Bale will start alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo against Schalke 04 on Wednesday.

According to Madrid's official Twitter account, Ancelotti, who was speaking at a pre-match press conference, said that the Welshman will line up as part of a front three, with Jese Rodriguez on the bench.

Los Blancos travel to Germany for the first leg of their last-16 clash on the back of a 26-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but they have won just once in their last 25 games in Germany.

Marcelo is also expected to return to the Madrid XI following a period on the sidelines.