Madrid, March 9 : For Real Madrid, the rest of the season begins now.

The controversial away win against Manchester United Tuesday has opened the door for Jose Mourinho's side to challenge for the most important title of the season - the Champions League - and everything else is going to fall into second place in importance to the club trying to lift the 10th European Cup of their history, reports Xinhua.

With his side 13 points behind league leaders FC Barcelona in Spain, Mourinho has already conceded defeat in the race for the Spanish title and will use the remaining league matches this season to keep his key players sharp. But at the same time ensuring they are not over-tired when it comes to their European ties.

The first evidence of that is likely to come away to Celta Vigo Sunday night. But if the side that is currently third from bottom of the table, think that means they are in for an easy ride, they are probably mistaken.

Real Madrid are without winger Angel de Maria, who had to leave Tuesday's game in Old Trafford through injury while Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to train Friday because of a dose of flu. But as Madrid showed last weekend when they defeated an out of sorts FC Barcelona in the Bernabeu, their substitutes are still stronger than many first teams.

That is hardly surprising at a club where Kaka is considered a fringe player or where Pepe, who cost the frivolity of 30 million euros, is now third choice in defence after Ramos and youngster Rafael Varene, whose eruption onto the scene in recent weeks has been the best possible news for the club.

It is hard to call who will lead the Madrid attack in Vigo given that Gonzalo Higuain started in Manchester. That implies Karim Benzema will start with Javier Callejon given a chance to replace De Maria.

Meanwhile if Ronaldo doesn't recover, Alvaro Morata, who was impressive a week ago, deserves a chance to again start on the left.

Pepe will probably step back into the heart of the Madrid defence while Marcelo, fined this week for driving with no points on his driving license, could get a chance to show he has returned to fitness at left back.

Meanwhile, Mourinho is likely to continue protecting Xabi Alonso, who has problems with a groin injury and who will be needed when Madrid return in Europe. That will open the door for Luka Modric, who after being questioned all season is suddenly a star signing after his goal in Old Trafford, or Michael Essien, if Mourinho decides to try and keep things tight in defence.

Celta meanwhile were thrashed 4-1 in Seville Monday night but will look to striker Iago Aspes to carry the threat to Madrid. In Vigo they remember the 2-1 Copa del Rey triumph at home to Madrid earlier this season and a repeat of that would be most welcome, whether on not Madrid's morale will allow that is another question.(IANS)