Sergio Ramos backs Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez despite El Clasico humbling

Sergio Ramos has defended Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez following Saturday's 4-0 defeat by bitter El Clasico rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Catalans moved six points clear of second-placed Real courtesy of goals from Neymar, Andres Iniesta and a double from Luis Suarez, who started and finished the rout.

The defeat comes days after it was reported that Cristiano Ronaldo and a host of his teammates confronted Benitez over the team's playing style.

"We must support Benitez. We never had any meeting with him and we did not ask him to play more attacking against Barcelona," Ramos, who was reportedly among the players to confront his coach, told reporters.

"I don't like to single out any individuals and I don't want to look for a guilty party. We have to stick together.

"When you lose to Barcelona, the fans feel hurt and they want an explanation. But I don't have words at this point. We have to keep working hard. It is a tough night, a difficult night for all of us."

The Blancos will hope to bounce back when they face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday.