Real Madrid defender Marcelo has talked up the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo as they began their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Cordoba on Monday evening.

The Portuguese star scored late on for Los Blancos, while Karim Benzema netted the first on the half-hour mark, and the Brazilian left-back was quick to praise the former for his display.

Marcelo told reporters: "We know that Cristiano always scores. We trust him and know what he will do for us.

"It is the start of the season and we all have to get better but we gave everything to please the fans. We have the whole league to try and move forward."

Ronaldo moves to the Spanish capital in 2009 for £80m.

Written by
Paul Gorst