Cristiano Ronaldo omitted from Real Madrid squad

Cristiano Ronaldo has been omitted from the Real Madrid squad to face Sporting Gijon at the weekend.

Ronaldo set a new record with his 100th European goal in midweek, scoring twice in a 2-1 win away at Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

However, the Portugal star has not been included in Zinedine Zidane’s 18-man squad as he has been rested to keep him fresh for two big games coming up in the next week.

With Gareth Bale sidelined due to a calf injury, Zidane has also opted to rest Karim Benzema with Madrid facing two tough tests in the coming week.

On Tuesday, Bayern come to the Bernabeu and then Barcelona make the same trip for the Clasico next weekend.

Zidane’s midfield is well-stocked with big games but the Madrid attack will have a makeshift look to it as they aim to extend their three-point lead over Barca at the top of the table.