Rafael Benitez: hopeful for a win

Rafa Benitez, coach of Real Madrid says he has a  full squad capable of beating  Barcelona in the mouth-watering match billed for today.

The Real Madrid coach confirmed all of Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas have recovered from injuries with all three likely to start.

“It is the second time we have had everyone available,” said Benitez. “I have a winning team that has the capacity to still get better. That everyone is fit gives us greater competition. It is important everyone is in the squad and available to play,” he told FIFA.com.

Barça come into the game with a three-point lead at the top of the table thanks to Real’s first defeat of the season at Sevilla last time out. However, despite the Catalans also welcoming back Lionel Messi from a two-month injury layoff, Benitez insisted home advantage makes his team favourites.

“We are playing in our stadium with our fans, so I think Madrid are the favourites,” he said.

“We are confident from what we have seen in training. It will be a difficult game, but a great one for the fans.”