Real thrive as Ronaldo waits in wings

Paris, Sept 23: Mighty Real Madrid went on a four-goal rampage to maintain their perfect start to the Spanish season on Saturday and immediately handed coach Vincente del Bosque a selection headache over his 45-million-euro striker Ronaldo.
The Brazilian World Cup winner has yet to play for his new club after his summer move from Inter Milan and has been tipped to make his long-awaited appearance in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Belgian side Genk.

However, Real provided plenty of evidence that they can perform without the Brazilian superstar in their 4-1 victory over Osasuna.

Ivan Helguera struck twice with Guti and Raul completing the job as Real made it two wins from two in their domestic campaign - a victory achieved without the services of the injured Zinedine Zidane.

"One thing is clear - I won't have any excuses for not scoring because there will be passes from the right, the left, from behind," was Ronaldo's view as he looked ahead to Wednesday.
Bureau Report