Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk preview - Rafael Benitez savours Real Madrid's attacking options

Posted Tuesday, September 15, 2015 by PA

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez is relishing the attacking options at his disposal as he prepares to launch the club's latest assault on Champions League glory.

The Spaniards welcome Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk to the Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday evening in their opening Group A fixture, with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular in the mood to terrorise opponents.

Benitez told the club's official website, www.realmadrid.com: "They have freedom up front and they use their talent to put together attacks.

"We talk to them about the movements that each player makes and we stress the importance of there being a co-ordinated series of movements.

"Bale brings speed and penetration, Cristiano drifts inside, and that balance with Karim Benzema, Isco, and Marcelo joining in the attack... It creates a lot of danger for our opponents."

However, Benitez has warned his players they can take nothing for granted, with Shakhtar having lost just once in 13 outings in all competitions to date this season.

He said: "They have a coach with a lot of experience who gets the best out of his players. They have players with ability, speed and quality. If we're not focused and underestimate them, they'll be tough.

"We're Real Madrid and we're playing at the Bernabeu. The challenge is to start our Champions League campaign on a positive note."

Mircea Lucescu's men will arrive at the Bernabeu determined to enjoy the experience, but not simply to make up the numbers.

Asked if he felt under pressure at the prospect of lining up against the Spanish aristocrats, Brazilian midfielder Taison told the club's official website, www.shakhtar.com: "I'm doing the best thing in the world - I play football!

"I think anyone wants to face such teams as Real Madrid. The only thing we need is to achieve a positive result in Spain. We will fight for it.

"It will be a good game. I would say that today's football is different from what it was before. No-one can win the match in advance. Both teams have equal chances."