MADRID (AP) – The Spanish league begins this weekend with Real Madrid determined to assert itself as Spain’s top team after a season in which it fell short of the objectives it had set itself.
A year without trophies at Real Madrid is normally a prelude to big new signings. However, the main change so far for this season has been the replacement of Carlo Ancelotti as coach by Madrid-born Rafa Benitez.
From the outset, the former Real youth defender acknowledged he was happy with the principal components of the squad he inherited from his predecessor.
“I have a great squad with outstanding players,” he said, adding “I’m delighted with it.”
So, Madrid will start the season at newly-promoted Sporting Gijon with a largely unchanged first-choice squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in attack.