Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is facing a battle of wills inside the club over Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness. Sport says both Pellegrini and Real doctors say Ronaldo's return to first team action should be carefully managed in phases. However, there is a groundswell inside the club that are demanding Ronaldo play from the start for this weekend's clash at Barcelona.

Ronaldo admitted yesterday that he could "play through the pain" and was "desperate" to face Barca.

Pellegrini wants to reign in the Portuguese in fear of him aggravating an ankle injury which has seen him out of action for 60 days. But there is growing demand within the corridors at the Bernabeu for Ronaldo to be unleashed at the Nou Camp from the first whistle.