Win and entertain: double task for Mourinho's Real Madrid
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Real Madrid have a double task ahead when they make their return to the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid entertain Dutch outfit Ajax in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium just four days after their 1-0 win against Osasuna.
That game was decided by a solitary goal from central defender Ricardo Carvalho, but Real Madrid were below their best and that performance was greeted with boos and whistles from sections of the crowd.
Speaking after the game, coach Jose Mourinho said the fans had been within their rights to criticize the team's performance.
Nevertheless the criticism clearly annoyed some of the players and Cristiano Ronaldo used his press conference on Monday to say that the supporters would be better employed using their energy to cheer the team on, rather than in booing when things were not going right.
Ajax travel without key striker Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan international is suspended because of bookings he picked up in the preliminary stages of the competition and it will be interesting to see how the historic club that finished last season second in the Netherlands performs.
In theory Real Madrid should get their European campaign off with a win, but the emphasis will be on trying to mix and effective display with some entertainment as both press and supporters are clearly impatient to see Mourinho's side perform with style as well as efficiency.
Mourinho is unlikely to make many changes in his starting 11, with Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain in attack. Pedro Leon and Angel di Maria have a chance of replacing Karim Benzema, while Lassana Diarra may step into midfield to allow Sami Khedira to rest.
With players such as Raul Albiol still injured, Mourinho is unlikely to make changes to a defense that has yet to receive a goal this season, but defense looks as if it is not going to be a problem this season.
The task is clear. Real Madrid want to win a 10th European Cup and the fans want to see attractive football. On Wednesday, Mourinho's men can start to deliver.
