Cristiano Ronaldo is "in great form

Cristiano Ronaldo is "in great form" as he chases Real Madrid's goalscoring record, says boss Rafael Benitez.

The 30-year-old, who needs a hat-trick against Malaga to overtake Raul's 323-goal mark, has scored in two of Real's six games this season - although he has netted eight in those two matches.

"I know he's going to score loads of goals," Benitez said.

"He is still getting plenty of shots on goal. You get chances and a lot of the time it's the keeper who denies you."

Ronaldo - who has failed to score in his last two games - has taken only 306 appearances to score his 321 goals for Real Madrid. Former Spain striker Raul needed 741 games to set his record.

The Portugal forward is already Real's top scorer in La Liga history with 230.

Benitez added: "His figures in front of goal are excellent, he's in great form and if he doesn't score in a given game, that's not a problem because we think he's a phenomenal player.

"The most important player on the pitch is the one capable of scoring at any moment, and if you feel that it will be a tricky match, then you don't take that player off.

"As Cristiano Ronaldo is the one who scores most frequently, it's only logical that I wouldn't take him off. As he's such a good player what I like about him is his knack for hitting the target."