Real Madrid doesn’t know if Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema can play next week

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t start against Manchester City on Tuesday, while Karim Benzema was taken off hurt at halftime. After the game, Zinedine Zidane was asked if his stars would play the second leg next week and didn’t have a definitive answer.

“We hope they can both be in the second leg, but we have to take it day by day,” Zidane said about his two star forwards. “We are going to try and get them fit. That is our plan. I can’t assure you of anything. I can’t tell you right now if they will be fit.”

Ronaldo said that he would have gutted it out and played if it was the final. So, a non-medical opinion: Expect to see Ronaldo and Benzema on the bench next week inside “break glass in case of emergency” cases.

This cute little pup who interrupted a Copa Libertadores match.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been suspended for the remainder of the La Liga season.

A pair of NBA owners is trying to start an MLS team in Detroit. (MLS)

Mamadou Sakho will not challenge the results of his positive drug test. (Guardian)

The FA has charged Dele Alli with violent conduct. (FA)

Hey look, another Milan sale report maybe this one is real. (Football Italia)

John Brooks is hurt again. (ESPN FC)

Dan Williamson on the history behind Berlin’s struggles in top-flight soccer. (In Bed With Maradona)

Patrick Redford on MLS expanding without a plan to get better. (Deadspin’s Screamer)

Archie Rhind-Tutt on the HSV-Werder Bremen rivalry. (The Set Pieces)

Manchester City wasted a great chance to take the lead on Real Madrid.

Champions League: Atlético Madrid vs. Bayern Munich (2:45 p.m.) -- Hopefully better than Tuesday’s game.

MLS: 3 games (from 7 p.m.) -- NYCFC-Impact should have plenty of goals.

CCL: América vs. Tigres (9:45 p.m.) -- América have a big lead and look set to win a continental title.