Jorge Valdano, one of the men heavily responsible for bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Madrid, has praised the club's new signings after their opening 3-2 La Liga victory over rivals Deportivo La Coruna.

Valdano beamed, "There were a lot of new players, and a lot of nerves, but it was a good performance.

"We are at the level we expected.

"We lacked some rhythm, but the season long, and we must progress well to finish strongly."

Valdano then moved on specifically to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo and commented, "He needs to be freed, but he does not have to do something spectacular every time he gets the ball.

"I am sure that he will offer us great things."

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