Luxemburgo has come under fire before during his brief tenure at Real, having only taken over last December, but the club's fans called for his head during the final 10 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Lyon in the Champions League in midweek.

The traditional waving of white handkerchiefs to signal their displeasure was accompanied by jeering and shouts around the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of, "Out, out, out."

The former Brazil national coach was given a stay of execution at a Real directors' meeting on Thursday night.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, Luxemburgo surely got a clear message about his future.

"I'm tough, I'm relaxed about carrying on," said Luxemburgo.

David Beckham, substituted against Lyon, did not train because of a sore back while Robinho and Roberto Carlos also missed the session after picking up knocks against Lyon.

Real officials said all three should be fit for Sunday's trip to Real Sociedad although Brazilian star Ronaldo is a major doubt.

Elsewhere, struggling Racing Santander can hardly be relishing a visit to the Nou Camp stadium on Sunday with table-topper Barcelona having scored 24 goals in its past seven outings. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE