Madrid: Real Madrid's recent revival will be put to the test in the Champions League tomorrow when they host Rosenborg Trondheim without leading striker Ronaldo.
Instrumental in Real's recovery with five goals in their last three league games, Ronaldo suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's 3-0 win over city rivals Atletico Madrid that will sideline him for a month.
Real were crushed 3-0 in their opener against Olympique Lyon and it took a late strike from substitute striker Roberto Soldado to earn the nine-times European champions an edgy 2-1 win at home to Olympiakos Piraeus.
But Real, who went top of the Primera Liga for the first time in 18 months after beating Atletico, are determined to show they are not overly dependent on the Brazilian.
''It was just a question of time before we started playing better,'' French midfielder Zinedine Zidane said on yesterday.
''We played well as a team against Atletico and we are going to keep on improving,? he added.
''It's the Champions League and we've already lost a match so we must get the three points at home.''
Brazilian striker Robinho should step into Ronaldo's shoes, although coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo could also choose Julio Baptista to partner Raul.
Ronaldo was certainly missed in Real's first two Group F games, while he served out a suspension for being red-carded last season against Juventus.
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