Real's coach is backing Becks

Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon is resisting the pressure to drop David Beckham and the England captain looks set to start against Bayer Leverkusen in their group B match at the Bernabeu tonight.

He said: "I'll drop him if he deserves it, not because there is pressure on me to do so. You have to respect that I know more than others and that [Beckham being dropped] is not what I am thinking.I know his importance to this team."

Beckham has been anonymous in his three outings since he returned nine days ago, after spending six weeks out injured with broken ribs.

A win over Bayer Leverkusen will ensure Real's qualification for the last 16 of the competition.