Real Madrid looking for more of the same against Granada in La Liga

18 September 2015 11:52

Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming to continue the momentum they have built in recent weeks when Granada visit the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez's team, who opened their Primera Division season with a goalless draw at Sporting Gijon, are now riding a three-match winning streak in all competitions after Tuesday's 4-0 Champions League romp against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Los Blancos have scored 15 times in their last three games and have yet to concede a goal this term.

Ronaldo, who halted a nine-game goal drought when he struck five goals past Espanyol in a 6-0 league victory last weekend in Barcelona, had a hat-trick in the midweek rout of the Ukrainian outfit.

"We knew we had to start La Liga and the Champions League well," Ronaldo said to the Spanish press. "We didn't get off to the best of starts in La Liga after a draw, but since then we have done well.

"We are more consistent and we are going through a good run of form."

Ronaldo, hugely disappointed that Real failed to claim a trophy in all competitions in the 2014-15 campaign, is smiling again because the team are winning and he has returned to top form.

"I'm very happy to score and I thank my team-mates for the confidence they have given me," he said. "I don't know if I'm better than before just because I've scored eight goals.

"My team-mates just trust me, they give me good assists and I score from those."

Real, who return to European competition on September 30 with a trip to Sweden to face Malmo, are trying to keep up the pressure on La Liga leaders and defending champions Barcelona.

Barca are two points clear, having posted victories in their first three league games.

Benitez will have to make some changes to the squad, with captain Sergio Ramos, defender Raphael Varane and forward Gareth Bale having picked up injuries against Shakhtar.

Ramos dislocated his shoulder and Bale sustained a left calf injury, while Varane is doubtful with an ankle problem.

Benitez was already without defender Danilo and midfielder James Rodriguez, with both having suffered injuries on international duty earlier this month.

Summer signing Mateo Kovacic should replace Bale in midfield, while Karim Benzema is expected to start alongside Ronaldo in attack.

France forward Benzema has found the back of the net in Real's last three games.

He also has a history of success when playing against Granada, scoring in Real's last four league games against this weekend's opponents.

The Andalusian side head into contest with just one win from their opening three games.

Last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to Villarreal left Granada in 11th place with three points.

Despite Real's impressive form, midfielder Fran Rico, who spent three seasons with Real's reserve team before joining Granada four years ago, believes his side can make life difficult for Los Blancos.

"We go into this game with a lot of enthusiasm and knowing we must be perfect because the team we are facing is a very good one," Rico said to Marca.

"But we are not going there to defend. We are going there to play a good game and try to get a positive result."

The visitors are without midfielder Ruben Perez due to a sprained ankle, but coach Jose Ramon Sandoval is hoping defender Jean Silvayn Babin and striker Piti wil be available after minor injuries.

Source: PA-WIRE