Real Madrid players apologize after 'worst 30 minutes in Club history'

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid reacts after Club Atletico de Madrid score their 3rd goal

Atletico Madrid ran riot at the Vicente Calderon over their more famous neighbours on Saturday night, condemning the Los Blancos to their worst defeat in terms of scoreline since the 5-0 loss to Barcelona in 2010; and worse still in terms of pride of being the premier Madrid club. Real Madrid have played 37 games this season, and scored in 34 of them – the 3 matches where they have failed to score have all been at the fateful Vicente Calderon.

Goals from Tiago, the substitute Saul, Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic saw Atletico run out comfortable winners on the night – the Club’s first league victory in the derby at home since 1999.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s uninspired form in 2015 continued to be a worry, and the Portuguese star admitted the magnitude of Real’s failings on the night.

“This is a day to forget. We lost today and we are angry about it. Nothing came off for us.”

We can’t lose 4-0 to any team: Ronaldo

Ronaldo said, “We have to put this game behind us as quickly as possible because Real Madrid can't lose 4-0 to any team. We lacked everything - desire, attitude. We weren't fresh physically or mentally... but we can't make excuses.

“We have to keep our heads up. There is still plenty to go in La Liga and we are still top."

On his team having found an impasse in the form of Diego Simeone’s wards across town, Ronaldo said, “We haven't been able to beat Atletico in recent meetings. Things were different before but, in my opinion, we are a better team than them and we should be showing that on the pitch.

“The team was a bit tired. Some of the players have been playing a lot and there wasn't much recovery time for those who were involved in Wednesday's game."

Worst 30 minutes in Real history: Carvajal

Defender Dani Carvajal scathingly told reporters after the match, "That could be the worst 30 minutes Real Madrid have ever played, gifting chances and creating nothing ourselves.

"We're still angry, but the truth is in the result and we're definitely feeling pretty down.

"I would like to ask our fans for forgiveness. We were not up to the task today and we have to congratulate [Atletico] because they were the better team. It's true they have won the last few derbies, but let's wait until the end of the season and see who has the titles."

Not bothered by fan insults: Casillas

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas sufferred yet another horror night between the posts, and said, "We are concerned about fixing what went wrong for us today and ensure it doesn't happen again. The only other thing is to beg forgiveness from our fans.

"It was a harsh and heavy defeat. Atletico deserved their win. Now I have to stand up and face the consequences and be the first to ask forgiveness on behalf of my team-mates and myself. We have to think about our next match."

Atletico fans began to sing Casillas' name following what seemed to be a blunder that allowed Tiago's goal, but the Spanish veteran himself was unperturbed.

"I am grateful wherever I go if people sing my name, I take it with great humour."