Mourinho homes in on golden chalice

The first leg of the Champions League semi-finals is just under two weeks away, but Real Madrid must first play twice in La Liga. The first game is on Sunday at San Mamés against Athletic de Bilbao and the second against Real Betis at the Bernabéu - for both, the Madrid starting line-up is likely to feature few of the star players.

José Mourinho's number-one target is Europe's most prestigious competition, as Borussia Dortmund stands in his way. The league has practically already been decided and Cristiano Ronaldo is the only first-team regular who would be expected to play on Sunday as the Portuguese, like Leo Messi, rarely misses a kick of the ball. Ronaldo will also have the chance to recover during the week. However, Mourinho could well opt to rest him for the Betis encounter, which will take place just three days before the first leg in Germany, to avoid any injury scares.