Real Madrid Are Not The Same Without Cristiano Ronaldo

Olympique Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has played down claims that Real Madrid are dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo, but believes that he is a crucial part of los Blancos' side.

"I was surprised by the defeat to Alcorcon and by the margin of the scoreline," Deschamps is quoted as saying by AS.

"But when you look at the starting line-up, you can see the reason. I'm convinced that there is one Real Madrid without Cristiano and another with him."

"It's not the same Real Madrid when Cristiano isn't on the pitch."

"When he's playing, he's able to gain the attention of lots of his opponents. He makes a difference by himself, as it gives his team-mates more space."

"I wouldn't call it 'Cristianodependencia', but it's clear that there are one, two or three players in every team that influence them a lot."

"It happens at Liverpool with [Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard, or Bordeaux with [Yoann] Gourcuff and [Marouane] Chamakh."

'CR9' is still recuperating from his ankle injury, and los Merengues will have to face Getafe and Milan without their Portuguese star.