Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo's failure to score against Malaga by stating that the Portugal forward "guarantees goals".

Los Blancos were held to a goalless draw with the Andalusians at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, but Benitez is unconcerned by Ronaldo's frustrating night in front of his own fans.

"I see him like I see the team. Doing well, creating chances. He'll score, he's a guarantee of goals, and I have absolute confidence in him," Benitez told AS.

"We didn't get the final pass right and there was anxiety in the last five minutes. We made poor choices. We need to give the team confidence. There's nothing else to do.

"I've set Karim Benzema a target. You don't need to do that with Cristiano. Isco, Jese, they have to improve their numbers, or another player in the second line, so we're not relying on Benzema and Cristiano."

The goalless draw ended a run of five straight victories for Benitez's men.

Written by
Paul Gorst