Marcelo Plays Down Injury Fear, Hits out at Press for Trying to Hurt Real Madrid

Real Madrid star Marcelo has played down concerns after he was taken off injured in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday but accused the media of trying to "hurt" the team. 

The Brazilian scored to help Los Blancos end their five-match winless streak in all competitions, but he was withdrawn late on after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge.

"I feel good now," he said after the match, per Marca. "I took a hard blow, and referees have to see those things."

Marcelo was less happy with the criticism Madrid have received of late: "It's hard when you don't win, but you talk about a crisis like you want to hurt this squad. All journalists try to hurt us. Maybe it's envy because you don't know how to play football."

Madridistas will have been worried watching Marcelo limp out of the contest in the final stages, with Barcelona awaiting in El Clasico on Sunday.

His comments might allay those fears, and manager Julen Lopetegui is also hopeful of having the left-back available, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

However, while Marcelo may be unhappy with the criticism directed at the team in recent weeks, their performances and results have inspired little else.

OptaJose provided further context on the team's winless run prior to Tuesday's clash:

It is not only the media that has been expecting more from Los Blancos, either.

Having failed to convince at home to Plzen and conceding toward the end to ensure a nervy finish to the game, those inside the Bernabeu expressed their own displeasure at the team, per sports journalist Richard Martin:

Madrid have the chance to get the fans back onside and get their season back on track when they face Barcelona on Sunday, as a win at the Camp Nou would be a huge morale booster.

Equally, a loss to their rivals would be another low point and a blow to their title chances.

Lionel Messi's absence gives them more of a chance of pulling something off, but they'll still need to improve significantly to do it.