Real Madrid host Real Sociedad on April 1 in a vital game as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s trophy treble push this season.
Los Blancos returned from the international break with a key 3-2 home win over neighbours Leganes to keep up the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
However, their El Clasico rivals responded positively to the challenge thrown down, via a 4-1 win over Girona, to re-establish a three-point lead at the summit.
The midweek focus switches away from league matters as Ancelotti welcomes La Real to Madrid in a Copa del Rey semifinal second leg and Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid.
Balancing his squad amid a hectic fixture schedule – alongside the latest FIFA break – is a tricky task for Ancelotti and he rested Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Fede Valverde against Leganes.
The trio came off the bench in that game, after lengthy trips back from South America, and they could start as part of a strong XI against their Basque visitors.
Ancelotti has gradually named teams with more key stars involved as the competition has progressed but he will be without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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The veteran stopper returned with a muscle injury, following his long-awaited recall to the Belgium squad, and he is still not available.
Ancelotti has confirmed Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy remain out with the target for their return pencilled in for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Arsenal on April 8.
Andriy Lunin will continue in Courtois’ absence, despite rumours the latter could be drafted in for such a crucial game, as Ancelotti looks to keep his options fresh.
If Real Madrid can book a spot in the final – with a 1-0 first leg lead already in place – that will add another date to the diary for Ancelotti with the final scheduled for April 26.
