Sergio Ramos is still missing for Real Madrid as they go in search of their first victory at the new San Mames stadium against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

Los Blancos’ inspirational captain is almost certainly out after suffering a shoulder injury against Shakhtar Donetsk, while forwards Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez also remain sidelined.

And although Wednesday’s opponents have made a mediocre start to the new campaign, Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has warned his players they will need to be at their very best in a stadium where they have lost and drawn in their previous two outings.

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“We will have to be very focused,” said Benitez. “We need to continue doing everything we have until now but also increase our intensity.”

However, Benitez was also keen to emphasise the morale-boosting potential benefits his team could derive from triumphing in one of their most challenging contests of the season.

Madrid have won their last four games without conceding a single goal, and the coach added: “This will be a very difficult game but it could allow us to maintain and even increase our current confidence.”

Once more, Benitez was eager to express his side’s reliance upon Cristiano Ronaldo to be the matchwinner, making it clear that the Portuguese star is regarded as a class apart within the Los Blancos dressing room.

“We have one player whose place goes without discussion, Cristiano, and other good players who are giving their maximum,” he said. “It is a special group and a great team with one player who can make the difference.”

Another receiving plaudits is goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who can surpass the best goalless streak achieved by predecessor Iker Casillas – 460 minutes – if he comes through the opening 10 minutes without conceding.

Benitez said: “I am not obsessed with not conceding goals.

“If we don’t let any in, I’ll be very happy. And if Cristiano scores five, I’ll be very happy about that too. But I only want to win.”

With Ronaldo set to partner Karim Benzema in attack, Benitez’s main selection decision lies in midfield, where Isco is the only player certain to start. In the centre, two from Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic will play, with the latter also competing with Lucas Vazquez for a place on the right flank.

Benitez said: “We have a lot of competition and that can only be good for the team.”

He also downplayed rumours of a rift with Jese, who has been overlooked in recent weeks, adding: “He has been sensational in training this week. There is no issue.”