Real and Barca laying on private jet for Brazilian trio

Arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona are to club together to pay nearly $150,000 for a private jet to ensure their Brazilian players arrive back early from World Cup duty to prepare for this weekend's league matches.

Real said on Tuesday that the two clubs had agreed to halve the cost of laying on the flight so that Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho could make an immediate return to Spain following Brazil's match against Colombia in Maceio.

Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos are set to appear for Real in their game away to Real Betis on Saturday. Ronaldinho is likely to play in Barca's match at Espanyol later on the same evening.

Spanish media reported it would cost the two clubs a total of up to 120,000 euros ($149,000) to hire the jet which should allow the players to return 24 hours ahead of schedule on Thursday evening.

Brazil lead the South American World Cup qualifying group on 19 points from nine matches, one ahead of Argentina.