Real Madrid will face German side FC Schalke 04 at the Veltins-Arena this afternoon in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

The game starts at 2:45 p.m.ET and can be watched online through free live stream via the link provided below (free for subscribers).

Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to make up for lost time when he steps onto the field this afternoon for Real Madrid's Champions League round versus Schalke.

The 2013 Ballon d'Or winner (the association football award given yearly to the player who is considered to have played the best in the past year.) returns after spending three matches on the sideline due to suspension.

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti confirms his star athlete really wants to face FC Schalke 04 after watching his teammates go to the La Liga summit, as stated by the Agence France-Presse (via the South China Morning Post):

"He's really wanted to play, he was not happy about not being able to do so," said Ancelotti in the report adding. "He's done very well in training. He is in optimal physical and mental shape."

Ronaldo's frustration at not being able the previous soccer matches might be an unpromising cautionary sign for Schalke, which must find a way to stop the star forward at the Veltins-Arena in order for them to have any chance of advancing in the UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid has not lost in 26 games across all competitions, an impressive streak dating back to the El Clasico loss on Oct. 26, winning 22 matches so far, according to WhoScored.com.

The Portuguese star has recorded 31 goals and also provided eight assists in 26 appearances this season.

Today's game will start at 2:45 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on Fox Deportes or online through live stream by clicking here.