Real Madrid watched its La Liga title dreams slip away when it lost to rival Atletico Madrid, 1-0, on Saturday. On the other hand, Barcelona is undefeated and not slowing down as it extends its lead in the league. After watching Barcelona move out of reach, Cristiano Ronaldo chose to voice harsh criticism and frustration toward the rest of his team.
Real Madrid entered Saturday's match with several big injuries to some of their best players. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema were both unavailable, leaving Ronaldo to try and make something out of nothing. That failed to work, and the striker took to the media to criticize his teammates.
"It annoys me that they say that Cristiano has dropped his level, and that is why Madrid have dropped their level," Ronaldo said. "If they were all at my level we would be first. You always ask me these crappy questions - it seems that here in Spain, I am in the s--t. The numbers do not lie. Statistics never trick you - it is easy."
That quote was not taken too well, with critics calling out Ronaldo for not being a team player. With the La Liga season on the line, the drama from the quote could cause distractions. Manager Zinedine Zidane made it clear that the Ronaldo matter was handled internally and there were no more issues between the striker and the rest of the team. Ronaldo did attempt to clarify his comments, saying injuries were frustrating him. Zidane is putting the issue to rest.
"Cristiano talked with everyone, with me, with the players," Zidane said. "Now it is something that is past. Cristiano, we know, the importance he has. We are all with him. That issue is over. What is important is what is in front - and we will go forward all together."
Real Madrid must rebound quickly. The team faces Levante on Wednesday before matches against AS Roma and Celta Vigo, and things will not get easier. Benzema is expected to miss a month of play due to a right leg muscle injury. That will leave him out until potential the match against Barcelona on April 2. Bale is back at practice, which will provide relief to Ronaldo, and he is expected to be available for the matchup against Levante. His return should give more offensive power to Real Madrid.
