Real Madrid Defensive Pair Sergio Ramos And Ricardo Carvalho Blame Tiredness For The Display Against Mallorca

Madrid were just happy to get three points against Mallorca after their midweek cup clash against Atletico.
Real Madrid's centre-back for the evening against Mallorca, Sergio Ramos, put los Blancos' performance against the Balearic Islanders down to fatigue, but noted that the three points were more important.

"Of course we were not at the proper level, but this was due to physical stress caused by the derby with Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey," Ramos explained to Marca.

"We achieved our objective which was to win three points. Our coach knows the players in the team and who needs a rest, so there were some changes to the side. The second-half was a much better performance than the first," siad the defender.

Fellow centre-back Ricardo Carvalho also claimed the team's display had much to do with their gruelling cup exploits.

"We did not play well and experienced difficulties during the match. Mallorca have quick players who can cause such problems for an opponent," the Portuguese defender was quoted as saying by AS.

Real Madrid overcame a resilient Mallorca thanks to a finish from goal-shy Frenchman Karim Benzema, who struck on the hour mark.