Friday 16 November 2012 12:43, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit to face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday although fresh reports in Spain have cast doubt on his long-term future at Real Madrid.
"They are two challenges," defensive midfielder Ander Iturraspe told AS. "We know how hard it is to win at those stadiums. The first is at the Bernabeu where our recent experiences have not been good. "We have gone to attack and been thrashed. "It is mandatory to be strong defensively." Iturraspe pinpointed Ronaldo as the man the visitors have to watch but also highlighted other dangers lurking within the Madrid squad. "Cristiano is the most decisive player," he added. "But (Angel) Di Maria is great with the ball. And (Mesut) Ozil can put a pass where no one expects it. "He seems slow but has a great change of pace." Athletic boss Marcelo Bielsa will be forced into a reshuffle with Ander Herrera and Oscar De Marcos suspended. Madrid have climbed to third after winning their last four matches but still trail leaders Barcelona by eight points and are five behind city rivals Atletico. Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has fitness worries over Sami Khedira and Karim Benzema.
