Beckham and Ronaldo start on the bench for Real

MADRID, Mar 19 (Reuters) Real Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro left Ronaldo and David Beckham on the bench for the start of their home game against Real Betis in the Primera Liga today.

Brazil striker Ronaldo started on the bench in Real's previous two league games against Atletico Madrid and Valencia.

England captain Beckham has not played for Real since collecting an injury against Arsenal in the Champions League on March 8.

Brazilian forward Julio Baptista and Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen also lost their places in the starting line up as Lopez Caro rang the changes.

Barcelona have a 12-point lead over Real with 10 games left to play. The Primera Liga is Real's last chance for silverware this season.

REUTERS VJ RAI0055