Alvaro Morata has defended his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo for missing numerous goalscoring opportunities in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over a dogged Atletico Bilbao.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Sabin Merino equalised in the 28th minute for the visitors. With Ronaldo failing to convert his chances, it took substitute Morata's 84th minute winner to give Real all three points.

Despite not having one of his better games in a Real shirt, Morata highlighted the Portuguese star's importance to the team and has urged critics to back off.

"When you're used to scoring almost 70 goals a season, it's almost like an addiction for goals," he said, via the club's website.

"For us he is the most important player in the team and I hope that he scores lots of goals, but he is not a machine.

"He is a human being, even if he comes from another planet and is different, he also has the right to miss."

Alvaro Morata scored the winner for Real Madrid while Cristiano Ronaldo was a shadow of his usual self. Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images

The goal was Morata's second La Liga goal in nine games, and having only started four of those games,the Spaniard has promised to continue waiting patiently for more game time under Zinedine Zidane.

"Everyone wants to always play, in every possible game, but it's difficult. I feel important in the squad," he added.

"We've got 25 players and Zidane's job is hard to choose who'll play. A good problem.

"We are a team and are about winning together, which is what we have done. Zidane gave me a hug and congratulated me, and now we have to keep working."