‘Madrid still great without Ronaldo’

Jose Bordalas has warned his Getafe side that Real Madrid remain just as ‘great’ without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Getafe have not beaten Madrid away from home since February 2008, which remains their only victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Bordalas asserted Sunday’s Liga opener was made no easier by Los Blancos no longer counting on Ronaldo’s goalscoring.

“Real Madrid will always be the favourites in derbies like these, before and after Cristiano Ronaldo,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“He’s a great player, but him leaving doesn’t change the essence of their squad. We’re not thinking about last season anymore.

“It’s history and this one will be very demanding. We’re starting against Real Madrid, a great team whose bad result on Wednesday in the Supercopa doesn’t detract from their quality.

“Cristiano’s a great player, but Real Madrid will always be favourites for everything. They’re still a top side without him. They have great players, it’ll be very difficult.

“Having said that, we’re very excited. Their squad is the same without Cristiano. Other players like Bale are in form, plus there’s also also Benzema and Isco.

“Every Real Madrid player is of a very high level. Real Madrid are too big to lament the loss of Cristiano. They still have great players and a great Coach.

“Keylor and Courtois are two magnificent goalkeepers. Lopetegui decided to play Keylor on Wednesday and he offers no doubts, plus they’ve signed another great goalkeeper.”

Tags Cristiano Ronaldo Jose Bordalas
La Liga - Club News