“If everyone was at my level, perhaps we would be first”, he told Cope.
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However, Ronaldo issued a subsequent statement to Madrid sports daily Marca claiming he was referring to his fitness levels having not missed a minute of La Liga action this season.
The hosts were without Gareth Bale and Marcelo through injury against their rivals, while a hip problem forced Karim Benzema off at the break. “I like playing with Karim, Bale, Marcelo, but when they don’t play it’s hard”, he said.
“I can’t evaluate what happens at other teams, but I do value the continuity and the work we have done with the players and the club to obtain this stability”, said Simeone.
“I would’ve preferred a draw [between Madrid and Atleti], which is what was best for us”.
Atletico played in the Champions League away to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, drawing 0-0, while Real had not played since last weekend. “I want to see a good game of football”.
A first defeat under Zinedine Zidane leaves Real nine points off leaders Barcelona, and four below Atletico.
Ronaldo’s comments left the Real players and officials befuddled, with captain Sergio Ramos immediately issuing a statement in defence of Ronaldo and his teammates. After 14 years without losing a league match to Atletico, Real have gone five league matches without a victory over their rivals, and need to break that streak if they want any chance at catching Barcelona for the league title.
“We have to keep fighting game after game”, Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez said. He also seemed to highlight the fact that Real Madrid have suffered a string of crucial injuries this season which has adversely affected their title aspirations.
“We had more chances and deserved to win, but it is what it is”. Our intensity was excellent and we gave a very good account of ourselves.
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The Spaniard defended the Portuguese superstar’s remarks – during which he had suggested Real would be above FC Barcelona in the league if his teammates played like him – insisting the Portuguese was not trying blame his colleagues for the loss.
