Despite losing the most important match of the season – the El Clasico – Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas defended the performances of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo was caught overconfident in certain situations and was the culprit of missing two major chances, which would have been enough for Real Madrid to draw with Barcelona. As it is, they lost the match 3-1, a result that puts Barcelona top of the la Liga standings as they head into the crucial Christmas fixture list. Barcelona will not be playing in this period because they will be in Japan for the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid have not beaten Barcelona in recent seasons, but they have the opportunity to do so straight from the kick-off itself. Karim Benzema scored within 23 seconds and this gave Real Madrid the fastest goal in the El Clasico history. Despite this, Barcelona continued to attack with venom and they equalised through Alex Sanchez.

They took the lead through Xavi shortly afterwards, but in between the two incidents, Cristiano Ronaldo had the opportunity to put Real Madrid back in front. However, he missed the goal glaringly and he immediately went down on his knees with frustration. A similar incident happened in the second half when the Portuguese star could have brought back the things back on level terms with the opportunity to equalise with a free kick.

However, he put the ball glaringly over the bar and the promising situation was wasted. “We all have to play at 120 per cent, not just Cristiano. We’re a team and criticism is directed to all of us. We were unlucky, but we shouldn’t use excuses. It was easier for them to play when they were leading 3-1, and it was consequently harder for us, with our lines separated and the match being so open,” Casillas said after the match.