Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is a doubt for their Champions League semi-final second-leg against Borussia Dortmund due to a thigh problem. Ronaldo, who missed Real's 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Saturday, suffered the injury in Real's 4-1 defeat to the Germans in the first-leg last Wednesday and his absence would significantly hamper any hopes of a comeback. "Cristiano Ronaldo exercised alone on the pitch alongside physical trainer Carlos Lalin," a statement on the club's website said on Sunday as the majority of his teammates took part in a recuperatory session.

Rio's mythical Maracana Stadium reopens Saturday for an exhibition match that will serve as a first test ahead of the Confederations Cup in June and the World Cup next year. Built for the 1950 World Cup, it underwent two years of extensive renovation in order to be ready to host four Confederations Cup matches as well as seven World Cup games next year, including the finals of both tournaments.

Two nights, two hammerings, and eight goals conceded. For two huge clubs so used to getting everything their own way, Barcelona and Real Madrid's experience against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the past week has been a humbling one. Given the Bundesliga's rise in exposure it is not even the German duo's ability to beat Barca and Madrid that has shocked the system as much as the manner of the defeats.

By Simon Evans WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Landon Donovan's return to the U.S. squad for June's World Cup qualifiers is no certainty as the country's all-time top scorer dropped down the pecking during his break from the game, coach Juergen Klinsmann said on Wednesday. Donovan has already missed World Cup qualifiers against Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico in recent months following his decision last December to take a break from the game.