Sergio Ramos gives his view on clash with Lionel Messi
The Real Madrid captain was interviewed pitchside after his side went down 0-1 in El Clásico against Barcelona, and was asked about the Messi clash.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was player who stepped to the side of the Santiago Bernabéu pitch to talk to Spanish TV, Movistar Partidazo, following the conclusion of El Clásico. The defender responded to a number of questions regarding the result, how that leaves the league title, and also that incident in the first half that had his and Lionel Messi's heads pressed together.
Not taking chances
Asked if it was a nightmare to play against Barça, a rival that has won four and drawn two of the last six games, he was clear.
"No! but it is true that the other day, despite dominating the tie, here just as in the Camp Nou, that football is all about scoring goals and we did not have it...
"We had a good opportunity in the league game and now we just have to congratulate them. It was not sufficient to just play well..."
Fighting till the end
There is now a 12-point gap between Madrid and leaders Barça but Ramos refused to rule out catching their biggest rivals.
"It is true that with the effectiveness that they have, and now with them increasing the distance again, it is another important step for them. It is a shame that we've allowed the gap to grow so big, but we will continue to fight until the end because anything is possible."
Messi took it badly
One of the big talking points of the game came just before half time, when both team captains almost came to blows. Messi ended up with a slightly bloodied mouth in a challenge that AS' resident referee believed should have seen Ramos branded with a red card. The Spanish defender had his own version.
"These things happen. I didn't mean to catch him but he has taken it badly, and stayed down on the pitch."