Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision to play defender Sergio Ramos as a holding midfielder after his side lost 2-1 to Barcelona in last weekend's El Clasico encounter.

Madrid lost the game thanks to goals from Neymar and Alexis Sanchez, whose effort ensured that Barcelona saw off their opponents who added a late consolation goal in the 90th minute.

"Ramos in midfield? I do not think I was wrong there," Ancelotti said to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.

"It is true that Sergio Ramos has not played in this position before. Before deciding I spoke to him. He was happy, excited to play in this position. I do not think the game was so bad. It is not true that putting Ramos in midfield was defensive. The defensive midfielder was the same as when Asier Illarramendi was playing there.

"If the week in training was the same as I saw last week, then yes, I would put Ramos in midfield again, if the Clasico was played tomorrow."

Madrid find themselves six points adrift of league leaders Barcelona following the defeat.