Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 5y

Real Madrid's Julen Lopetegui: 'Full confidence' in struggling Karim Benzema

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 centre-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.

Midfielder Luka Modric told reporters that Madrid's recent run of form was "worrying" but urged them to remain positive.

"We did not expect to drop points here," he said. "Of course the mood in the dressing room was not good. The last three games, above all Sevilla and today, we were not at our best.

"Not scoring for three consecutive games is a bit worrying. I am sure we will find a way out of this -- we must keep working and stay positive."

And asked whether Madrid were missing Cristiano Ronaldo, goalkeeper Keylor Navas said: "Cristiano set the bar very high, that is no secret.

"You cannot block out the sun with one finger, but that is the past, and we cannot rely on that now."

Defender Nacho Fernandez, meanwhile, said Madrid were still hungry for success.

"People are always asking if we have grown tired of winning," he added. "This team is full of great players who want to win more trophies for this club."

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