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.