AS says Real skipper Raul maintained a serious conversation with midfielder Guti for over a half-hour as they went through the team's disappointing performance.

While coach Bernd Schuster maintained that Real deserved something from the game, Raul was overheard admitting they did not deserve to win and that their performance was "dismal".

Guti admitted he felt isolated in midfield, convinced he was the only one who was attempting to create something for the strikers - including Raul.

Another unnamed senior member commented: "We need to make a stronger impact on the game. Whenever we need to exert some authority, we fail to do so."

Amongst the players, there was also surprise over the starting role for Roberto Soldado. Real teammates were pleased for Soldado, but believed Schuster was wrong to throw him in for such a major game.