Cristiano Ronaldo criticises Real Madrid teammates

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that Real Madrid would be top of the La Liga table this season 'if his teammates were as good as him'.

Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid left Los Blancos in third, some nine points behind the leaders Barcelona.

The hosts were without Gareth Bale and Marcelo through injury, while a hip problem forced Karim Benzema off at the break.

Ronaldo said after the match that he was not looking to "belittle" his teammates, but has claimed that his team are currently struggling to cope without a couple of key players.

"If everyone was as good as me, maybe we would be first. I do not want to belittle anyone but when they are not the best it is difficult to win. I like to play with Karim, Bale and Marcelo," Ronaldo told reporters.

"I do not mean that Jese, Lucas [Vazquez] and [Mateo] Kovacic are not good, they are very good, but to win a competition you need the best and that has been our main problem this year."

Real Madrid have now lost their last three home league games against Atletico.