Real Madrid recorded their fifth straight win in all competition when they edged out Granada 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Manager Rafael Benitez was not too pleased with their performances and urged his side to improve their control on the game.
Following a slow start, Real Madrid are now gathering steam, having won their last five games. The Los Blancos have scored a total of 16 goals this season without conceding any. However, the perfectionist Rafael Benitez was not too pleased with their 1-0 win over Granada.
Benitez urges his side to improve
Real Madrid were without the injured duo of Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez and it affected their fluidity, much to the annoyance of their Spanish manager.
Benitez was quoted by ESPN FC as saying: “We knew before the game it could be a tough match — they are an organised team who break well.
“And it was like that. We gave away possession, allowing them to counter, did not take our chances. Later we had more control, more chances and a better feeling for the game.”
“We needed to move the ball quicker, and more accurately,” he added. “It was tough for us to understand what the game needed. In other games we have scored goals quickly, but today Granada did very well.”
Benitez denies underestimating Granada; unconcerned with booing
Benitez had expected a tough game as per his comments before the game and his predictions did come out true.
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When asked if he had taken the game lightly, Benitez said, “Madrid did not do that. I had talked of Granada’s potential and quality. They played a good game, but we scored the goal that won the game.”
The unconvincing win did not go down well with the demanding Bernabeu crowd with whistles greeting the team towards the end of the game. Unconcerned, Benitez said, “I go to dressing room happy with the attitude of the team — we won the game.
“That is a positive position to be in. We know we have to play well, and win games, but when games do not go as well as you want, to get three points and see effort from the players is pretty positive.”
