Team News: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale return to Real Madrid XI

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have both made their return to the Real Madrid starting lineup for the La Liga match with Villarreal.

Ronaldo missed the weekend's win over Espanyol with the flu while Bale was absent with a hip problem, but both attackers take their place in the side as their club attempt to continue their record-breaking run in Spain's top flight.

Raphael Varane and Mateo Kovacic have also been handed starting roles while there is also a place for James Rodriguez, who netted at the weekend.

As for Villarreal, Alexandre Pato has dropped down to the substitutes' bench but Denis Cheryshev earns a recall to face his former side.

Real Madrid: Casilla; Danilo, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kovacic, Kroos, James; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo Subs: Yanez, Carvajal, Nacho, Vasquez, Asensio, Morata, Isco

Villarreal: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, V.Ruiz, Angel; Bruno, Trigueros; Jonathan, Castillejo, Cheryshev; Sansone

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