By Daily Sports on October 4, 2018

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said he has confidence in his forwards despite his side failing to score for the third time in a row as they lost 1-0 at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday.

CSKA went ahead after only 65 seconds, with Madrid unable to reply despite coming close when Casemiro, captain Karim Benzema and substitute Mariano Diaz hit the woodwork.

It is the first time since February 2007 that Madrid have failed to score for three consecutive games, but Lopetegui told his postmatch news conference that they had lacked fortune.

“All that was missing was to score one of the many chances we created," he said. "We lacked that bit of luck, we tried everything, went down both sides, shot from long range, put in crosses, hit the woodwork.

“All we can do is to keep creating as many chances as possible. I am sure we will soon be scoring again, winning again.”

Madrid had 26 shots but home keeper Igor Akinfeev had only three saves to make, with center-forward Benzema now six games without a goal.

“Karim has played all our games and we have full confidence in him,” Lopetegui said. “Goals often come in bursts, and he started the season fantastically.

“At the moment he and the team are not doing well in front of goal, but we are convinced that he and they will be scoring again soon. It is not just his responsibility, but that of all the team.”

The last week has also seen Madrid lose 3-0 at Sevilla and draw 0-0 at home to Atletico Madrid, but Lopetegui backed them to return to form.

“In the Champions League 10 days ago we played a magnificent game against Roma,” he said. “Neither were we so great then, nor are we so bad now. Football has these moments, it is not easy, but we must accept it and move on.”

Dani Carvajal joined a lengthy injury list, with the right-back leaving the pitch before half-time. “It seems that Carvajal has a small injury in his calf, we will have to wait on the tests,” Lopetegui said.

•Adapted from a KweseESPN.com report. Photo shows Real Madrid Coach, Julen Lopetegui

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 4, 2018

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