Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has rejected criticism of Casemiro after victory at Rayo Vallecano.

Casemiro struggled on Saturday and could well have seen himself sent off before being withdrawn around the hour mark.

"He was good," Ancelotti said.

"He scored a goal [ruled out for offside].

"The midfielders suffered more because of the pitch. I took him off because having him booked could have been dangerous in a game like this one."