Madrid face nervous wait on Marcelo and Modrić

Real Madrid CF face a nervous wait on the fitness of Marcelo and Luka Modrić after the pair went off with injuries in Saturday's 3-1 win against Real Betis Balompié.

Marcelo was taken off on a stretcher in the early stages after falling awkwardly during a challenge while Modrić pulled up midway through the second half with what appeared to be a thigh or hamstring strain. "The injuries were the worst aspect of the game," Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka said. "Marcelo felt a sharp pain; Modrić's problem seems only to be a strain, but he said he felt something and we'll do some checks."

The news is a worry with the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg away to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, especially with Alvaro Arbeloa already suspended. There were further worries, too, with goalkeeper Diego López opting not to take goal kicks towards full time because of a hip problem while Karim Benzema was replaced after picking up a knock to his ankle. Karanka said neither injury seemed particularly serious.

Two goals from Mesut Özil, either side of Benzema's strike, earned Madrid a comfortable victory over Betis.