Football

Benitez backs Ronaldo on free kicks despite poor return

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez reacts before their Spanish first division soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames stadium in Bilbao, northern Spain, September 23, 2015. REUTERS/Vincent West

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has defended the club's policy of continuing to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to take the vast majority of their attacking free kicks despite a woeful success rate.

Ronaldo has scored only twice in his last 85 dead-ball attempts on goal for club and country, according to Spanish football statistician Mister Chip.

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