Marcelo proud of Real Madrid response

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has praised his side following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos trailed 2-1 entering the final 10 minutes at the Vicente Calderon, but a late strike from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured that the visitors continued their long unbeaten run.

"We started well in the opening minutes but then conceded two goals and it became more difficult," he told reporters at a press conference.

"I think the team has been good, we were just weaker at the end of the first half. Then in the second we played well. It's normal when you go a goal down to find a little intensity.

"We can't always play well but we fought to the end."

Marcelo was surprisingly named on the bench in Madrid, with Portuguese international Fabio Coentrao preferred at left-back from the onset.