Cristiano Ronaldo aims dig at Real Madrid team-mates: 'If the whole team was on my level, we'd be first'

Ronaldo pulled no punches after defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid

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Cristiano Ronaldo unveiled a ferocious barb at his Real Madrid team-mates after Los Blancos lost to local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the game as Zinedine Zidane's men fell nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona having played a game more.

At first Ronaldo lamented the loss of key players - even naming Gareth Bale and Marcelo as players the side were missing.

Pepe didn't play either while Karim Benzema had to come off at half-time because of injury.

Speaking in the mixed zone after, Ronaldo continued his rant, inferring that the players on the field were not good enough.

"We had more chances than Atletico and we deserved to win," he is quoted as saying. "I don't think it's a lack of preparation, but we have a lot of injuries who cost us.

"I don't know why we have so many injuries. Maybe because of the preparation at the beginning of the season, or pre-season?

"If the whole team was in my level, we'd be first.

"I don't want to disrespect anyone, but when the best players aren't available it's harder to win. I like to play with Karim, with Bale, with Marcelo.

"I'm not saying the others like Lucas [Vazquez], Jese and [Mateo] Kovacic are not good players - they are very good players - but it's not the same."

The forward also hit out at the assembled journalists for their perceived criticism of his form, declaring: "For all you guys it seems I am s***, but I don't listen to what the press say. The statistics and numbers don't lie."