article_snippet: Tuesday's Champions League tie against Schalke should be some blessed relief from domestic worries but then this has often been Carlo Ancelotti's's way.
article_snippet: Whatever happened to the players over the Christmas break, it wasn't good.
article_snippet: Ronaldo - have struggled for results in recent weeks .
article_snippet: There are doubts over the suitability of Welshman Gareth Bale at the Bernabeu .
article_snippet: But those captains include Sergio Ramos, currently out injured, Iker Casillas, described by one commentator as being reduced to the status of a 'celebrity' in goal, and Cristiano Ronaldo, whistled at the Bernebeu for enjoying an extravagant birthday party on the immediate aftermath of that 4-0 defeat.
article_snippet: Ronaldo heads home as Real Madrid comfortably swept aside Schalke in the last-16 first leg in Germany .
article_snippet: Though progressing through to the Champions League quarter-finals should be a breeze, with a 2-0 lead secured in Gelsenkirchen, there is a meeting with Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday week which now looks ominous.
article_snippet: And if his does need the Champions League to save his yet again this year, starting with Schalke, at least his knows the competition is like an old friend to his, always there to help his through the critical moments in his career.
highlights_snippet: They face Schalke at the Bernabeu with a two-goal lead .
  