Social Buzz Surrounding Real Madrid vs. Schalke

Much of the social buzz surrounding Real Madrid vs. Schalke in the second leg of the last 16 continues to be heavy criticism toward the Spanish giants.

The conversation began in light of Real Madrid's recent performances, including the draw with Villarreal on March 1 and the 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao last Saturday. The team has since been knocked from their position atop La Liga, now second to Barcelona.

Gareth Bale has been on the receiving end of much of the criticism, largely in part to his ongoing dry spell—he hasn't scored or assisted any goals in the team's last eight matches.

"

The world's most expensive footballer Bale hasn't scored in 721 minutes (over 12 hours). #rmcf host Schalke tonight. pic.twitter.com/sosox8c84X

— Sam (@samuelJayC) March 10, 2015"

But according to manager Carlo Ancelotti, Bale is well aware of his recent performances.

"

Ancelotti: "I dont believe Bale is happy with how he's playing at the moment. He knows he must improve."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) March 9, 2015"

Fans have come to Bale's defense, claiming the criticism is not warranted.

"

@JackRathborn Bale criticism isn't warranted, was simply just comparing the two, especially considering the squad Bale has around him.

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 8, 2015"

However, Bale is not the only player taking the heat. Many fans are not happy with the club's star trio, which has grown to be know affectionately as the BBC.

According to Mirror's Ben Burrows, 32 percent of fans in a supporter poll voted Cristiano Ronaldo should be dropped from the starting lineup. Karim Benzema received 21 percent of the vote while Bale took the cake with 46 percent.

Under question regarding the trio's start against Schalke, Ancelotti gave his vote of confidence.

"

Ancelotti "I have total confidence in BBC (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano). Them starting games is not negotiable."

— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) March 9, 2015"

"

“We don’t change our identity, this is where players are most comfortable” - Ancelotti on BBC. #realmadrid

— Nicholas Rigg (@nicholasrigg) March 9, 2015"

Despite the heavy criticism, Real Madrid remain the favorite entering today's match. They defeated Schalke 2-0 in the first leg in Gelsenkirchen three weeks ago, giving them an advantage with two away goals, which could work in their favor as a potential tiebreaker.

According to ESPN Stats & Information's Jacob Nitzberg, Schalke has just an 11 percent chance of scoring two or more goals in the match.

It's difficult to determine whether Real Madrid's recent blows to the resume are cause for serious concern or nothing more than a short rough patch.

However, the possibility of an upset in Tuesday's match has been entertained.

"

#RealMadrid meet #Schalke tonight in #UCL. With their recent struggles, will there be an upset or with the home of the Bernabeu be enough?

— Eye On La Liga (@eyeonlaliga) March 10, 2015"

Obviously, home-field advantage is another factor, and Real apparently have a lot of it.

"

It's been four years since Real Madrid last lost a European game at home. Let's hope it stays that way tonight!

— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) March 10, 2015"

The Champions League game kicks off at 20:45 locally, 3:45 p.m. ET.