Gareth Bale warned Real Madrid fans not to expect perfect performances every week as “we’re not robots”.
The Welshman scored four goals in Sunday’s 10-2 demolition of Rayo Vallecano, yet he faced a barrage of questions about the problems perceived to be facing his side after the game.
“It was a good victory and a celebration just before Christmas,” he said.
“Two dismissals? It’s true that we conceded two goals, but I think we still would’ve reacted very strongly if it remained 11 v 11.
“[On the hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu], it was normal.
“We get on well with [Rafa Benitez] and keep trying to work and train hard.
“[On the defeat to Villarreal], this is football, we’re not robots.
“Sometimes you lose concentration, but we still had chances to score four or five goals.
“We have to be more of everything [than just aggressive]. As the season progresses, we’ll get better.”
