Real Madrid to alternate goalkeepers

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided Iker Casillas will play every other game for the remainder of the Spanish league season to ensure he is sharp for this month's Champions League final against crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid.

In February, Ancelotti told reporters he was considering giving Casillas, Los Blancos' goalkeeper in Champions League and Copa del Rey games, more minutes in La Liga in the event Real Madrid advanced to the final of the European competition.

With that objective accomplished, he announced his decision at a press conference on Saturday: the 32-year-old Casillas will play two of Real Madrid's remaining four La Liga games as preparation for the Champions final.

"I've decided. Diego Lopez will play (Sunday against Valencia), Iker will play on Wednesday (against Valladolid), Diego Lopez will play Sunday, (May 11) against Celta and Iker will play against Espanyol (on May 18). I made that decision because I think Casillas needs to play this month," Ancelotti said.

Lopez has been Real Madrid's primary goalkeeper in league matches.

Los Blancos, winners of this season's Copa del Rey, are in third place in La Liga, six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid will seek a 10th title in the Champions League, Europe's elite club competition, on Saturday, May 24, against Atletico in Lisbon.