Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez calms reports of Cristiano Ronaldo rift

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has calmed reports that he and Cristiano Ronaldo were involved in a training ground bust-up.

The former Liverpool manager is yet to take charge of his first competitive game as Madrid coach, but rumours of disharmony within the camp have already surfaced.

The Spanish media recently claimed that Ronaldo responded angrily when Benitez disallowed one of his goals in training.

When asked about the Ballon d'Or winner in a press conference, Benitez said: "I have now had the opportunity to spend a few days with him.

"He is competitive, he likes to win and for that reason he is the best in the world - I want all my players to play like this. Seeing Ronaldo up close training, I can see that's he doing very well."

Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the 2014-15 season.