The Real Sociedad defender does not believe his side will benefit from the Portuguese attacker's absence on Saturday as he feels they look stronger off the ball without him.


Real Sociedad left-back Yuri Berchiche does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Saturday's game will benefit his side, as he feels Real Madrid defend better without him.
The Madrid talisman will miss the meeting at the Anoeta with injury, having sat out last week's win over Rayo Vallecano and Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Manchester City in the Champions League.
And while Ronaldo has netted an incredible 47 goals in 44 games in all competitions this season, Berchiche believes Sociedad might find coming up against Zinedine Zidane's men even tougher.
"Not coming up against Ronaldo has its good and bad sides," he told Marca. but the team becomes more competitive in the sense that everyone defends much better.


"Without him they are stronger when defending as a block and they leave less space.
"With Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, they stay more up the field, adding very little to Real Madrid."
Madrid are in desperate need for the three points on Saturday as they look to remain hot on the heels of Atletico and Barcelona, who sit joint top and one point ahead of them.