Cristiano Ronaldo struggles still dominate Madrid media before Clasico

"Those who know him the best believe that the crisis he is suffering is more psychological than physical," Manuel Pereira wrote. "Its origin is in factors related to his personal life: the famous birthday party which had more significance than he expected and which annoyed him so much. To this we can add his famous demands on himself, which provoke anxiety when he realises things are not going well, over a long period of time.

"Cristiano is not finding himself able to overcome the situation. What he needs, more than psychologists, is support, affection and solidarity from all around him. Not whistles in the Bernabeu. Ancelotti said that the biggest club in the world is also the place with the biggest criticism in the world. Cristiano knows he is not in the easiest place to solve his current problems."

Ex-Barcelona forward Hristo Stoichkov, renowned for his strong opinions both as a player or pundit, also weighed into the debate over Ronaldo's long-term prospects. The former Bulgaria international said in AS that, given Ronaldo's current issues, and reports that MLS teams are interested, Blancos president Florentino Perez could well be weighing up whether he should sell the 30-year-old now while the price was still high.

"Cristiano's future -- well, you would have to ask Florentino, who has had 'galacticos' before," Stoichkov said. "Sooner or later, Cristiano will be sold by the president. The world of football is like that, but it depends on the president. I do not know if he needs money. If he does, it would be a good moment to sell him."

Stoichkov also suggested that Lionel Messi's superb current form was weighing on Ronaldo's mind at present.

"I do not like to compare players -- that shows a lack of respect," the Bulgarian said, but he added: "Messi at the moment is much better. Maybe the obsession with Messi affects [Ronaldo]. I am not in his head."

Marca, meanwhile, has published an article from a reporter very close to the Bernabeu dressing room, which says the captains at Madrid -- name-checking Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas -- have told their team there must be no more leaks to the press ahead of Sunday's game.

"Silence, La Liga in play," Jose Felix Diaz writes. "Players and coaches of Real Madrid know that a big part of the season, and especially of the chance for tranquility between here and the end of the season, is in play on Sunday from 9 p.m. at the Camp Nou. So the order has been loud and clear: 'Pull down the shutters, completely. Not one leak and all is sweetness and light in the dressing room.' From now until the Clasico."