Marca reported last week that Ramos and Iker Casillas were agitating for the Portuguese coach to be fired, although both have denied it. But Marca continue to insist that their story is rock solid.

“A plot against Mourinho? It's just a big lie,” he told reporters. “We are all united at Madrid.

“In recent weeks the team has been on a very good run, and that accumulation of victories can only encourage us going into Wednesday's match.

“It bothers me that I'm not able to play, but I have to comply with the sanctions.”