Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona Says it's hard to beat Barcelona

Real Madrid may be the world champions, but that doesn't mean they can win every match, vice-captain Marcelo has claimed.

Speaking after the 3-0 humbling at the hands of Barcelona, the Brazilian suggested that Los Blancos' recent success has unrealistically raised expectations.

"We have spoiled you and you think that we must always win," he said in the mixed zone, although it wasn't clear if he was referring to supporters, journalists or both.

"LaLiga is the best league in the world and it's hard to win.

"This is sport and sometimes you win, while sometimes you lose.

"The gap to Barcelona is because they have won more matches, that's all."

Despite those remarks, the left-back wasn't giving up hope of winning the 2017/18 LaLiga title.

"It's not lost," he said.

"I don't believe in miracles, but in hard work.

"We played well in the first half today.

"But we then conceded the opener and had a penalty and red card shortly afterwards.

"If it's hard to play against Barcelona with 11, imagine it with 10."

Marcelo and the rest of the Real Madrid players will now enjoy some rest over the winter holidays, before a Copa del Rey trip to Numancia.