Rafa Benitez says his players need to be more aware and not let complacency creep in but would rather take the positives from the 4-3 win over Shakhtar Donesk on Wednesday.
The headlines today will focus on how Los Blancos almost let a 4-goal lead slip against the Ukrainian side. Ronaldo netted twice while Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal grabbed a goal apiece to give the 10-time Champions League winners a comfortable lead after 70 minutes. But the hosts fought back with three goals in the final 12 minutes to give Madrid a scare.
However, at his press conference after the game, Benitez said he wanted to focus on the positives. Real ensured they finished the group in top spot while they won away at an intimidating ground, scoring four goals in the process.
“You have to weigh up a lot of things and I think that what weighs heaviest is that we’ve won the group and played a great game for 78 minutes. We were on top in every department until we made the mistake that led to the penalty, and then they quickly scored a second and grew in confidence. I don’t want to forget that we are group winners and have won away in the Champions League with four goals scored. I leave here with a very positive feeling,” he commented.
Asked once again about his style of management and tactics amid accusations he is too defensive, Benitez added: “As coach of Real Madrid I’ve reiterated a number of times, and today we saw it, that this is a team who attack and score goals. Today, unfortunately we conceded goals that we shouldn’t have at the end. But scoring four and creating the chances that we created, that’s Real Madrid’s style.”
