Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the thought of winning a 10th European Cup is the driving force behind their season.

Madrid are hunting 'La Decima' this term and are well placed to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League following their 6-1 hammering of Schalke 04 in the first leg of their tie last week.

"La Decima is a big motivation for all of us. We have nine [European Cups], we're all waiting for the 10th and we will do all we can to get it," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"Our rivals? All sides are dangerous. In the quarters onwards all teams are competitive, although Bayern are the favourites.

"It's uncertain [if we can win La Liga], the distances are very small and it's all to play for. Our growth? We lost time trying to find our equilibrium, it was hard but now we're more solid and doing things better."

Los Blancos are currently top of La Liga.