Not a word from Mourinho as press walk

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's decision not to speak to the media ahead of tonight's "El Clasico" with Barcelona resulted in a walk-out by scores of journalists at the start of yesterday's press conference, which was held by assistant coach Aitor Karanka.

It was revealed that Karanka, as has happened before, would speak to the media in place of Mourinho prior to the table-topping clash between the teams at the Bernabeu in Madrid.

That did not go down well with journalists at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground and many walked out as soon as Karanka arrived. When Karanka did come out he was accompanied by Mourinho, but as soon as it was confirmed the Portuguese would not be answering questions, it was estimated that more than 100 journalists left .

Meanwhile, Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo urged his team-mates to enjoy the four "Clasicos" in three competitions they will play against Barca between today and 3 May.

"I don't think this has happened before … playing so many games against one team," he said. "We have to enjoy it."

Barca have an eight-point advantage over Real with seven games left ahead of tonight.