Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has warned his teammates that they have a lot of work to do if they want to retain their Champions League crown.

The reigning champions began the defence of their title on Tuesday by thrashing Basel 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite getting their campaign off to an emphatic start last night, Modric is aware that it will be tough for Madrid to lift the trophy again this season.

"There's a long way to go. No team has won two Champions League titles in a row," the Croatia international told UEFA's official website. "Hopefully we can be the first, but we need to go game by game. Be humble and play every game with a big attitude, that's the only way."

Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday with a trip to Deportivo La Coruna.