Real Madrid is on a roll: Cristiano Ronaldo

“We started a little bad in La Liga with a draw but we’ve been fine since, more consistent and we’re on a roll”.

These two sides love to play on the counter using their pace and cool finishing to exploit opposition’s defense, this should be a tight affair with Real Madrid coming out on top.

Varane’s inclusion was one of two changes made by Benitez and the Frenchman curled an effort over the crossbar following a short corner two minutes in, before heading wide from inside the area soon after.

A Real Madrid supporter dressed as the Hollywood cartoon character Mickey Mouse poses for a photograph ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League contest on Tuesday at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo entered the match level with Messi as the Champions League’s leading scorers with 77 goals each.

Messi will have the chance to gain ground on Ronaldo in the scoring charts when Barcelona face Roma on Wednesday evening.

Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez says “there is no debate” over whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer in the world.

‘I feel like when I get on the ball I can create and i can cause damage to the other team’.

“He simply never gets exhausted of scoring”, defender Nacho Fernandez said.

“We are in good form, we must highlight the work of the team”, he told reporters.

Gareth Bale has revealed he feels more involved at Real Madrid now and believes it is showing in his performances, as per BBC Sport.

The World Player of the Year scored again from the spot moments later for another handball as this time Marcio Azevedo was penalised.

Benfica opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over group stage new boys Astana in Lisbon. But the defense has been just as great.

However, the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss was also keen to stress the importance of keeping their fourth consecutive clean sheet against a talented Shakhtar side.

“This is only the beginning”, Ronaldo said. And to win collective trophies, which is the Champions League or the [Spanish] league.

Watch as-live coverage of Real Madrid v Granada on Sky Sports 3 HD from 5.15pm on Saturday.