Real looking for boost against Roma

Real Madrid playmaker Zinedine Zidane believes that a win against Roma in Wednesday's Champions League Group C match will put an end to any talk of a crisis at the Spanish club. "There is no crisis at the club," Zidane told reporters at a news conference.

Real, who drew 1-1 with Villarreal at the Bernabeu on Saturday, have won just one of their last six domestic and European games and have been criticised in the Spanish press for their failure to beat lower-ranked opponents in recent matches.

But the French midfielder believes a good result against Roma will boost the side's confidence and help the club recover its early season form.

"We only need a point to ensure we qualify for the second phase, but we want to win the game (against Roma)," he said. "Although we are facing a good team with some quality players it would be a shame just to draw. We need to win to help recover our strength and our play."

The twice winner of the World Player of the Year award also tried to deflect criticism over the state of fitness of new signing Ronaldo, who has struggled to make an impact since his sparkling two-goal debut against Alaves three weeks ago.

"You have to realise that he (Ronaldo) went almost three months without playing or training and that is why he is finding it a little bit difficult physically," he said. "But I am sure that at the end of the season he will be one of the leading scorers in the league."

Real, who beat Roma 3-0 at the Olympic stadium in their opening Champions League match in September, lead the group on eight points, three ahead of the Serie A side.

Third-placed AEK Athens, who are a point behind Roma, host Belgian champions Genk on Wednesday in the other match in Group C.