Real return to training

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the Real Madrid squad returned to training on Thursday after an eight-day Christmas break. Under the watch of assistant coach Rui Faria, the squad divided into two groups and practised passes and changes in position in a closed door session, the club said in a statement. Portuguese fullback Ricardo Carvalho returned to training for the first time since he pulled a ligament in his right knee in early December. Defender Sergio Ramos trained by himself indoors as he works to recover from a left thigh strain which he picked up during Real's 6-2 win against Sevilla on December 17. League leaders Real face four matches in 11 days during the first half of January. Their first match after the Christmas break will be at home against Malaga on Tuesday in the King's Cup. Four days later they face Granada in a league match at home before traveling to Malaga on January 10 for their King's Cup return leg against the Andalusian side. Real then face Mallorca in the league on January 14. The club sits at the top of the league table with 40 points, three more than nearest rivals Barcelona.