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Rafael Benitez "optimistic" despite stalemate

Rafael Benitez refuses to read too much into Real Madrid's 0-0 draw away to Sporting Gijon.

Rafael Benitez has said that he remains "optimistic" over his Real Madrid stint despite kicking it off with a 0-0 draw away to newly-promoted Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Karim Benzema was missing through injury but Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale both started as Los Blancos - who had 27 shots - failed to begin their Primera Liga campaign with a victory.

"In the first half we gave Sporting options, but in the second we could have won the game. We lacked confidence," Benitez, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, told reporters.

"We just missed that last pass when we got in front of the keeper. We had many shots on goal, but without precision.

"The team has shown character and personality in the second half. That is why I am optimistic. This is the beginning. Now we will continue to adjust things and improve physically."

Barcelona, who pipped their Clasico rivals to the title by two points last season, opened the defence of their crown with a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao earlier in the day.

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Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale gestures during the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg football match Real Madrid FC vs Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 13, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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