With a must-win match on Saturday against Sevilla and a 5-point deficit already racked up against league rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid have no room for mistakes.

And they haven’t made any so far when it comes to Ronaldo’s happiness this season – with Cristiano helping Portugal to consecutive World Cup 2014 qualifying wins, the Real Madrid returned to Madrid with a fresh vow to commit himself fully to the club and to help them defend their league title.

Ronaldo:

“I would like to reaffirm, without being concerned about contracts, that my focus is solely on winning every game and every available trophy with the essential company of my teammates and all Madridistas.”

His teammates have come out to support him, mindful that they need to present a united front against a press eager to find any signs of weakness.

Iker Casillas:

“For Madrid, for the players as much as the fans, it is an authentic pleasure to have Cristiano here. And for Cristiano, it is a luxury to wear the jersey of the best club in the world. We all benefit. Madrid fans are demanding, but they are that way about everyone.”

Sevilla have a win and two draws to start the season, but Madrid will be hoping that they can deliver them their first defeat and keep the difference with Barcelona down to 5 points before the first Clasico this season on October 7th.

Despite their irregular start to the season Madrid are still considered the bookmakers’ favourites for the Sevilla game, just as they are odds-on favourites for every La Liga game that doesn’t involve Barcelona.