Rafa Benítez is delighted with Real Madrid's start to the season, but believes there is no reason for triumphalism: "Our numbers are good, but races aren't won at the first corner - though they can be lost by then. We know that we have to keep compiling good stats come the business end of the season, the last ten matches, in order to be in contention on all fronts. We're feeling good and confident, but we're well aware that this is just the beginning".

The coach is resigned to being without one of his senior centre-backs against Málaga - his captain, no less - and could well be deprived of another too: "The injured players are progressing well but they're not ready yet. Pepe had a niggle at the end of the match in Bilbao. We're assessing the situation and we'll see if it's worth risking him. Sergio Ramos's condition is improving but he won't be fit for this game".

On resting Cristiano Ronaldo: "The most important player in the team is the one who can score goals. That's why I try to keep him in. That's why he spends the most time on the pitch. Because he's so good, I love to watch him score goals."

Modric: "We already know he's a top-class player and fortunately there's a lot of competition for that spot. That's why whenever we can manage the situation so they're as fit as possible, then we will. We don't rotate players on a whim. We talk to them and then make decisions. If Luka plays, he'll be a rock, and if he doesn't, we'll try to make sure whoever plays is as close to his level as possible."