Karim Benzema insists Real Madrid are favourites to win the Champions League this season, despite the departure of the club's record goalscorer this summer.
Ronaldo joined Juventus during the transfer window, ending a nine-year spell in Spain, and scored his first brace for the Old Lady as they beat Sassuolo 2-1 at the weekend.
His move to Turin has clearly boosted their chances of winning the European competition, which Real have established something of a stranglehold on in recent years.
Real have won the past three competitions, and Benzema is confident that, even without the Portugal international, they will be able to taste success for an unprecedented fourth time come May.
"This competition is another level, all the matches are important, there is no easy one, and it's one thing I like: Real Madrid is the best club in the world, every year you have to succeed," he told Codere, per AS.
"We know there are a lot of strong rivals, but if I have to say a favourite, it's always going to be Real Madrid, in this club the goal is always to try to win everything and play well, we have to sacrifice a lot to always be victorious."
Real kick off the defence of their European crown this week, when they host Roma at Santiago Bernabeu, and Benzema is wary of the talents of the Italian club.
"As always, the first game at home is very important, we have to have the ball and get more rhythm than them.
"Roma are a good team with very good players."
Benzema has scored four goals in Real's opening four games of the season, netting twice against both Girona and Leganes.
Supporters will be hopeful that the Frenchman can deliver the goods once again on Wednesday, as Los Blancos look to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga.
