Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists he's not over-playing Xabi Alonso.

Xabi has been a virtual ever-present for Real this season.

Mourinho said: "Xabi Alonso is a very important player and that's why he plays most of the time. He feels strong and biological age isn't important in many cases. He played 45 minutes in our previous match and he is not going to force a booking tomorrow because every game is important to us and Real Madrid players are the only ones who are not allowed to force getting a yellow card.

"I don't want to go as far as to say he is irreplaceable. He gives the team its balance; he is no kid. I've already told him that, since I intend to coach for another 30 years, we'll meet in bench areas again in the future."