Marcelo has denied Real Madrid were distracted by the Ballon d’Or celebrations prior to their Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico Madrid.
A Fernando Torres double saw the game end 2-2 on the night, 4-2 to Atletico on aggregate, on an evening when the Santiago Bernabeu paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, who on Monday received the award for the world’s best player.
James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos were among those also showcasing prizes won in Zurich and it was put to Marcelo in his post-match interview that this may have had a negative impact.
“No, it has happened before. We’ve won games and I don’t think that was in our heads,” the left-back countered, according to AS.
“We tried and we were focused. Unfortunately we haven’t gone through but I’m proud.
“We talked before the game that we need to be focused but these things happen in football. It happens but I’m proud of our team.
“We didn’t lower our heads. The result was heavy but we tried. We stood up and gave everything and we can be proud.
“There’s no analysis. Congratulations to Atletico. I say that because they have earned the victory.”