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Madrid - Free from European duty this week, a well-rested Real Madrid heads into this weekend's Spanish league matches looking to maintain its lead.
The 10-time European champions, who hold a four-point lead over Barcelona in the league, host Villarreal on Sunday.
Madrid beat Villarreal 4-2 and 3-0 the last two times they played at the Santiago Bernabeu, having lost 4-2 and 3-0 on its last two visits there.
Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored in a 2-0 win the last time Madrid faces Villarreal. Modric has recovered from a hip injury he sustained while on international duty in November and could be set to return to the squad.
During his absence, however, Francisco "Isco" Alarcon has blossomed in the role of creative playmaker.
The 22-year-old Isco received a standing ovation at Elche last weekend, something very rare in the Spanish league, after helping Madrid to a 2-0 victory.
"He's playing really well - game in, game out - bringing a lot of quality and intensity," said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who must now choose whether to bench the on-form Spaniard in favor of the Croatia midfielder.
Barcelona will try to stay within range when it visits Granada on Saturday, while Sevilla hosts third-place Atletico Madrid.
