Marcelo bemoans refereeing decisions

Real Madrid full-back Marcelo blamed refereeing decisions for Wednesday’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Villarreal in La Liga.

Real were on the verge of a crucial win at El Madrigal until Marcos Senna found the back of Iker Casillsas’ net with an 83rd-minute free-kick, which salvaged a draw for the home side.

The decision to award the free-kick enraged Real manager Jose Mourinho, who was subsequently sent to the stands by referee Jose Paradas Romero, while Sergio Ramos and Mesut Oezil were also dismissed for second bookable offences in the dying minutes.

“We are getting on with our work but sometimes referees go against us,” Marcelo told La Sexta. “We will have to keep on working.”

“We have to improve in a lot of things. Tonight we conceded another goal from a set-piece but we’re still in front and we’ll keep working.”

Marcelo believes Real cannot afford to dwell on the disappointment at seeing their lead over second-placed Barcelona reduced to just six points.

“I think any team would like to have a six-point lead,” the Brazilian said. “We must be calm.

“Tonight was a tough match but we’re fine. We did not get the victory but the team spirit is good.”

After back-to-back draws in La Liga, Real will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Real Sociedad on Saturday.