Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who openly criticised his teammates following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

After the match, which saw Real Madrid lose more ground on league leaders Barcelona, Ronaldo claimed that the Blancos squad is not good enough to compete when key players are out of action.

Ramos, however, has insisted that Ronaldo's comments were not meant as a direct attack on his teammates.

"If anyone knows Cristiano, it is me. I don't think he wanted to attack any teammate," Ramos told reporters. "As captain I feel proud of my teammates' work. But everyone is free to hold an opinion.

"I think when results go against you there are more negative opinions. It is tough, you lose a derby and the league becomes almost impossible. We still have the Champions League and we are hoping to play well there."

Real Madrid have now lost at home to Atletico in the league in each of the last three seasons.