Story By:  Alex Cope, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golders News & Sport Ltd.

Real Madrid defender Marcelo has claimed journalists are trying to “hurt” the team out of envy because they “don’t know how to play football”.

Marcelo made the comments after coming off the pitch with an ankle injury in Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen.

The full-back, who scored Madrid’s second goal at the Santiago Bernanbeu, said to reporters: “It’s hard when you don’t win, but it’s you guys who speak about a crisis, you try and do harm to this changing room. All the journalists try and do damage. Maybe it’s envy because you don’t know how to play football.”

The 30-year-old is a doubt for Sunday’s Clasico at the Camp Nou after being withdrawn late in the Champions League tie after a heavy challenge from Ubong Ekpai.

Marcelo played down the injury after the match but his situation will be closely monitored by Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Brazilian scored after a stunning backheel from Gareth Bale put him through on goal.

The left-back dedicated the goal to Real Madrid’s physical trainer Antonio Pintus, saying: “I dedicated it to Pintus because I like him. And I have hair and he doesn’t.”