A week after suffering embarrassment in one of their biggest matches of the season, Real Madrid return to action against Deportivo La Coruna.

It was a rare disappointment for Carlo Ancelotti's side last Saturday as they slipped to an emphatic 4-0 defeat to fierce rivals Atletico Madrid on a day when their star players were unable to fire.

Plenty of criticism followed the shock result, with fans and the local media voicing their outrage when the players were pictured celebrating Cristiano Ronaldo's birthday later in the evening.

Despite the disappointment, Real still hold the advantage in the title race, and they head into the 23rd round of fixtures with a one-point lead over second-placed Barcelona.

A return to form will be demanded by the club's supporters, but Ancelotti could decide against making major changes as he looks to produce a reaction from his side.

Reports earlier this week suggested that there are concerns about a knee injury causing problems for Ronaldo, but that it is unlikely to keep him out of the match at the Bernabeu.

However, Ancelotti is still without Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos and Pepe, but Marcelo is available for selection again following his suspension.

Deportivo prepare for one of their biggest challenges of the campaign full of confidence following successive victories, and Victor Fernandez could name an unchanged side from last Friday's 2-0 win over Eibar.

Real Madrid:

Recent form: WWWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Kroos, Khedira, Bale, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema

Deportivo La Coruna:

Recent form: WDLDWW

Possible starting lineup: Fabricio, Lopo, Luisinho, Juanfran, Insua, Borges, Bergantinos, Cuenca, Cavaleiro, Riera, Perez

Sports Mole says: 3-0

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