Mijatovic pressure stopped Real Madrid rotations

Pressure from Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic convinced coach Bernd Schuster not to rotate his team for yesterday's 2-0 defeat of Recreativo Huelva, it has been revealed.

On Saturday, Schuster predicted "four or five changes" from the team that drew 2-2 with Lazio, but started the game with the same XI that had begun the game in Rome.

DiarioSport says the change of mind from Schuster came after subtle pressure from Mijatovic, who had encouraged the coach to shelve his rotation policy for a week - at least.

"In 24 hours it is possible to change your opinion," was Schuster's explanation after the Recre victory.