Ronaldo makes do with cameo as Mourinho keeps one eye on United
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Cristiano Ronaldo had to make do with a cameo role after he was left out of Real Madrid's starting line-up against Barcelona as Jose Mourinho keeps one eye on Manchester United.
The £80million man was among four key men left for the Spanish giants, with Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso also left out, while Angel Di Maria is suspended.
Sitting out: Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) chats with Gonzalo Higuain as they sit on the bench
He eventually entered the fray on 55 minutes with the scores tied at 1-1.
Mourinho's decision is in stark contrast to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has opted for a near-fully strength team for his side's clash with Norwich at Old Trafford.
The two teams meet in three days having drawn 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League tie at the Bernabeu, when Ronaldo equalised Danny Welbeck's opener.
Madrid are well out of the La Liga title race, sitting a whopping 16 points behind the leaders, who they beat in the Copa del Rey last week, setting up a final with city rivals Atletico.
Have a word: Gerard Pique gives a talking to Cristiano Ronaldo just minutes after the Portuguese ace entered the field
Head-to-head: Ronaldo relished his chance to go up against Barcelona rival Lionel Messi at the Bernabeu
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el classico is ronaldo's favourite fixture mouriho has done barca a favour...... - fuller29, stoke on trent, United Kingdom, 3/2/13 4:11 PM. _______________________________True, if he had played, it woulda been 4 or 5-1 to Madrid. Further proof that Ronaldo is the most dangerous man on the field - Pierre , Paris, 02/3/2013 17:36 You count your WOULDA as "proof"? You're so funny. Hehehe
- Louis Ross , London, 02/3/2013 20:32
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