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MADRID. – Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the Spanish soccer giants would be top of La Liga rather than nine points behind Barcelona if his teammates matched his standards. Ronaldo had a day to forget in front of goal as Real waved goodbye to any lasting hope of mounting a title challenge in a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday with even coach Zinedine Zidane admitting their challenge was over.

“If everyone was at my level, we would be top,” said Ronaldo.

“Every year according to the press it seems I am rubbish, but the numbers and statistics don’t lie.” But the three-time World Player of the Year later backtracked on critical comments of his Real Madrid teammates following their 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

The derby defeat on Saturday realistically ended Real’s title challenge as they now trail leaders Barcelona by nine points having also played a game more.

Ronaldo lambasted his teammates by suggesting Real would be top if everyone was as good as him.

However, Ronaldo issued a subsequent statement to Madrid sports daily Marca claiming he was referring to his fitness levels having not missed a minute of La Liga action this season.

“When I said this I was referring to my level of fitness, not play. I am not better than any of my teammates.”

Ronaldo had in particular questioned the role of Madrid’s squad players in the absence of the injured Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Pepe.

“I don’t want to undervalue any of my teammates, but when the best aren’t there it is difficult to win.”

“I like to play with Pepe, Karim (Benzema), Bale, Marcelo. I don’t want to say that Jese (Rodriguez), Lucas (Vazquez), (Mateo) Kovavic are not good players, they are very good, but to win a competition you need the best.”

However, Real captain Sergio Ramos launched a staunch defence of the rest of the squad, pressuring Ronaldo into a climbdown.

“We are proud of everyone that is part of the squad and the work of all the players that get fewer minutes (on the field),” said the Spanish international.

“Players like Vazquez, Jese or Borja (Mayoral) are giving everything because they know how hard it is to get their chance here, but Cristiano is free to offer his opinion.”

Madrid have endured a season from hell as Zidane replaced the sacked Rafael Benitez in January, whilst the club has suffered a series of institutional embarrassments, including being eliminated from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player.

The final whistle was met by a chorus of discontent from the home fans as they called for president Florentino Perez to resign. – AFP