"The team always takes the initiative both home and away. The eight new players are being useful and they are all fullfilling people's expectations. That's very important."

"The changes on the team have been made naturally. They haven't disupted anything. We're doing this while we stand up to the best Barcelona football history has ever seen. Real Madrid never feels like a victim or inferior to any other side. We are aware of what we are fighting for and we will stir things up to the end of this season and in coming campaigns. Real Madrid only know how to play as winners."

"Our defence is positioned closer to midfield, which forces us to have good touch on ball. This wasn't the case in previous seasons, during which the team focused on counterattacking. Partnerships on the pitch between players are more natural now, which allows us to dominate. Pellegrini always had faith in his methods and time has proven he was always right."

"Missing Cristiano for two months due to an injury had its inconveniences. Missing Kaka for a month also had an effect on the squad. The same goes for Pepe's five-month injury and Cristiano's recent suspension... The team has nevertheless overcome these obstacles. The squad is mature and professional. All the new players have helped the team become more serious, solid and competitive."

"People would have changed their views about us if we had drawn in Barcelona. New teams need good results in order to be confident. We drew against Osasuna and lost in Bilbao, but we played well nevertheless. The team looked more confident in recent games."

"The Club respects Raul just as much as he respects the Club in every aspect of his life. He always makes those of us who admire him proud. Real Madrid will meet all challenges thanks to being led by a man of his importance."

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