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Real Madrid ‘consider resting Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos’ for Barcelona clash to keep them fit for Champions League final with Liverpool

Weekend's El Clasico presents Los Blancos with opportunity to end arch-rivals unbeaten record, but their focus is elsewhere

Zinedine Zidane could opt to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for El Clasico

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ZINEDINE ZIDANE is considering resting his biggest starts for the weekend's El Clasico, according to reports in Spain.

Real Madrid face league and cup champions Barcelona — and have the chance to end their arch-rivals' unbeaten run in La Liga so far.

 Zinedine Zidane could opt to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for El Clasico
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Zinedine Zidane could opt to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for El ClasicoCredit: EPA
 Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos could be rested for Liverpool clash
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos could be rested for Liverpool clashCredit: REUTERS

However, for the third season in succession, Real Madrid are in the Champions League final.

And, report Zinedine Zidane may leave the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos on the bench at the Nou Camp in preparation for it.

Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marco Asensio, Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema are likely to be omitted from the staring line-up as they are struggling with minor niggles.

But the Frenchman is in discussion with the squad about also leaving out his two key players at the Nou Camp.

 Barcelona desperate to finish season unbeaten and as Double winners
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Barcelona desperate to finish season unbeaten and as Double winnersCredit: Getty
Barcelona celebrate La Liga title win with open-top bus parade as Andres Iniesta bids fans farewell

Real Madrid have endured a dismal campaign domestically by their own standards and look certain to finish third in La Liga — behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

The Catalans, meanwhile, have already sewn up the league and Copa del Rey and a debate is raging in Spain over which club would have had the better season should Los Blancos win the Champions League.


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El Clasico is seen as Barcelona's final hurdle to achieving immortality and finishing the season as unbeaten champions.

And, while Real Madrid would love nothing more than to take the achievement away from their rivals, their main focus is the clash with Liverpool in Kiev on May 26.

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