Lopetegui: No Cause For Alarm, Real Madrid Always Score Goals

Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui, has played down any concerns over his side’s goalscoring ability ahead of their vital derby clash with cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real sit second in La Liga behind champions Barcelona following the first half-dozen games of the domestic season, but have only netted once in their last two matches, failing to register a goal against Sevilla in a shock midweek 3-0 loss.

The Champions League holders enjoyed four-goal-haul wins over Girona and Leganes earlier in the campaign and beat Roma 3-0 in Europe earlier in September, but their recent dip in finding the back of the net has been a cause for concern in some quarters.

Lopetegui however has dismissed such issues, and stresses that goalscoring is not a worry for his side as they look to widen the gap against prospective title rivals Atletico.

“You can take any kind of data from different angles, but we have created a lot of chances, even in the last game, especially in the second half,” the former Spain manager told reporters.

“We will continue to do that, for sure. Real Madrid always score goals.”

With the departure of club stalwart Cristiano Ronaldo over the off-season to Juventus, Real have struggled to find a replacement for the Portuguese superstar in their side.

Lyon forward Mariano was awarded the number seven shirt vacated by Ronaldo on his return to the club, but he has only scored once in three combined appearances since his arrival.