Isco refuses Real Madrid captaincy

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has revealed that Isco rejected the chance to wear the captain's armband during Wednesday's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.

Marcelo skippered Los Blancos in the absence of Sergio Ramos, but he was replaced in the 74th minute of the European tie and attempted to hand the armband to Isco.

The Brazilian has claimed that the midfielder refused to take the captaincy and instead asked for it to be handed to the incoming Dani Carvajal.

"I tried to give the armband to Isco. But he told me that I had to give it to Carvajal. I don't know what the reason for that was," Marcelo told reporters.

Isco has struggled for regular action since Santiago Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui as head coach, leading to suggestions that the 26-year-old could leave the Bernabeu.

CSKA completed a Champions League group-stage double over Real Madrid by recording a 3-0 victory at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Madrid had already qualified for the round of 16 as winners of Group G, but the three points were not enough to help CSKA take third position ahead of Viktoria Plzen as the Czech outfit beat Roma to secure the Europa League spot.