Bernd Schuster's team stormed to the domestic title but stumbled in Europe, failing to reach even the quarter-finals of the Champions League as they lost home and away to Roma in the first knockout round.

Madrid have now failed to make the last eight for five years and shortly after Sunday's title celebrations players and staff alike were switching their focus to restoring European glory to the Spanish giants.

But Salgado, who has twice lifted the Champions League with Madrid, believes his side must concentrate on winning the Primera Liga for the third year in a row.

"Real Madrid demands this (the Champions League)," he said. "When you begin a season you are asked to win titles, what is good is that after many years we have been able to win two consecutive league titles.

"What worries me is that next season we could plan everything for the Champions League and forget the reality, which is that first we were put in La Liga to win La Liga.

"The Champions League isn't the norm - you have to be there until March and then the one that is better from March will win it.

"What worries me is that we will forget the league."

Madrid, who have won Europe's premier club competition a record nine times, last lifted it in 2002.

Salgado was part of that side, picking up his second winners' medal after triumphing in the competition in 2000 - his first season at the Bernabeu.

Having been part of the Madrid squad for so long, the Spain veteran knows exactly what is needed to do well domestically and abroad.

And he has warned his team-mates to ignore the Primera Liga at their peril - highlighting the plight of bitter rivals Barcelona who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League but ultimately ended the season empty-handed.

"Best and worse of the season? The great consistency of the team, which constantly kept going without any problem," added Salgado.

"I would have liked to have played more, but I've been here for nine years. I still feel part of this squad though and that's important.

"We have passed through hard moments - an important cycle of titles and other times we have suffered the flip side.

"For next season we have to enjoy this and learn from mistakes.

"For example Barca, after two very good years, had a drought which has forced them to break up their team."