The absence of Isco from Real Madrid's bench in Tuesday's 2-0 win at Roma was described by Santi Solari as a "sporting decision."

"These are calls that you make in a certain moment," Solari said of Isco, who was fit and available for selection. "We are here to do that, nothing else. It was a sporting decision, nothing else. There are no starters, or substitutes, in football. It is up to all players to be at 100 percent, so the coaches pick them."

Solari said he was happy with his surprise decision to give Marcos Llorente, 23, a first Champions League start in holding midfield after just 11 minutes of domestic play until Tuesday this season.

"We are here to take decisions, sometimes you get it right, sometimes not," he said. "Always easier to talk after the game, but we must do it before. I am very happy for how he played, he is an example as a professional with a lot of discipline, works very well, and played a spectacular game today. He trains very well everyday, which is why he can play like this."