Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Gareth Bale will start against Villarreal.

The star winger missed their Copa win over Atletico Madrid.

Asked on Friday about Bale, Ancelotti said: "Tomorrow he will play."

Madrid go into the weekend level on points with second-placed Barcelona and three behind Atletico, and Ancelotti said his side would not be drained following their midweek exertions against their city rivals.

"I have confidence that the players are ready to play a game with the same intensity," he said.