"We have to win almost every game and this is the first. We have to get three points if we want to stay close and put United under pressure a little bit," said Benitez.
"We have two important games before Real Madrid and getting six points is our priority now.
"Middlesbrough are a good team. They have a good manager who is improving.
"Their Cup win over West Ham on Wednesday will be positive for them. They played really well against us at Anfield, so it will be dangerous as they have some quality."