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Ronaldo hailed by satisfied Benítez

Rafael Benítez said he knows Cristiano Ronaldo's "level and value" after yet another hat-trick saw off Shakhtar Donetsk, leaving Mircea Lucescu ruing one costly mistake.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after completing another Real Madrid hat-trick
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after completing another Real Madrid hat-trick ©Getty Images
  • Rafael Benítez pleased with all aspects of Real Madrid's display against Shakhtar Donetsk
  • Coach describes Cristiano Ronaldo as "the best in the world" after his hat-trick
  • Mircea Lucescu laments visitors' failure to build on bright start

Rafael Benítez, Real Madrid coach 
It was a difficult match because Shakhtar know how to control the ball. They didn't have many opportunities but they are dangerous on the counterattack. It was not a brilliant game but we had lots of chances to score.

I'm satisfied with not having conceded a goal and scored four. I know Cristiano's level and value. He is the best player in the world and I will repeat this every time you ask me.

Injuries are bad news. The team is quite well physically, but we will have to wait one or two days to see the evolution of [Gareth] Bale's injury. Sergio [Ramos] and [Raphaël] Varane also have problems but I'm more optimistic about them.

Mircea Lucescu (left) and Rafael Benítez
Mircea Lucescu (left) and Rafael Benítez©AFP/Getty Images

Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar Donetsk coach 
We can talk about the first 30 minutes of the match when we controlled the ball and had a pair of opportunities to score. One mistake [for the opening goal] cost us a lot and Real Madrid scored.

We had control of the play at times but we have to congratulate them on their victory. It's very difficult to play against Real Madrid with ten men [following Taras Stepanenko's 50th-minute red card].

Ronaldo happy with winning start

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