Rafa Benítez, Real Madrid head coach,  appeared in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu following his side's goal fest in the first game of the Champions League: "It was a difficult game. They are a side that manage the game well, although they did not have many chances. They have speed and ability and it was not easy to control all of that. Without having an outstanding game, we had a lot of chances".

"Above all, we have attacking prowess. I am satisfied because we made the most of our chances and we did not concede. The only negative note was the three players that we had to substitute".

Cristiano

"I am surprised that you go on and on about what someone says and not about what happens on the pitch and what the team does. I said yesterday that he plays for our team and that he is the best player in the world. I am going to repeat it so that there are no remaining doubts. I know Cristiano Ronaldo's value and performance level; he is the best in the world and is showing that in games and every training session".

"He is the best player in the world and, from now onwards, each time that you ask me I am going to say yes, let's end this issue about what I said and focus on what happens on the pitch".

Substitutions

"Bale had a spasm in his soleus muscle, in the calf muscle area. We have to wait one or two days. Varane and Ramos received knocks and we will also have to wait and see, although I am more optimistic. I think Gareth had a similar problem last year. We have to wait a little. I am not worried about the injuries, we have had few up until now. Of the three today, two were knocks. The team is doing well in terms of fitness and are generally in good shape".

Kovacic

"I think he did well, I put him there because the two full-backs were going forward a lot and he was used to playing inside. He gave us width and ball control. If Bale is not available, options open up for any player. Today Kovacic came on because of the match's characteristics, but Jesé, Lucas and Cheryshev could also have played".