Dani Carvajal considers the Champions League the most important competition for Real Madrid and wants to start with a win.
Los Blancos host Shakhtar Donetsk in their first match of the 2015-16 edition and the right-back feels Madrid are essentially obliged to record a victory in a tournament with which they are closely identified.
“The Champions League is the most important at club level and Real Madrid are the best, so while there’s no obligation to win, we have to play a big role and be a contender,” he said, AS reports.
Carvajal was also asked about Rafa Benitez and the work done the summer appointment, as well as the value of Santiago Bernabeu and the influence of a number of teammates.
“The Coach is incisive on the defensive aspects. We haven’t conceded a League goal,” Carvajal pointed out.
“What’s important is that the team is united when we have the ball. I think that will earn us a lot of points. Training isn’t that different.
“Everyone is looking forward to this game. We also know what it means to start at home. We’re against a great opponent. We want to give our fans the first three points.
“Cristiano’s five goals? Anyone who’s played football knows how hard that is. There are no weak opponents – this is the best League in the world. He’s the best in the world and he’s proved it again.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Gareth Bale, Isco, James Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez [on the right wing]. Last year I played with James and Isco there too.
“The important thing is we know what we have to do on the pitch and we’re committed.
“It’s my third season playing with Bale and we understand each other perfectly.”
