Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano admits the board were frustrated by the manner of their Champions League elimination by Barcelona.
Valdano denied the club believed there was a conspiracy against them, something clearly hinted at by coach Jose Mourinho.
"Both teams tried every which way to go through to the final," he said. "Barcelona came out on top and we congratulate them, but this tie was influenced by the officiating. We hope we are luckier in the future.
"The tie was very even until Madrid were left a man down. The play in the third minute of the second half (last night) tarnished the tie, just as is the case of those referee decisions that weren't harmful.
"Cristiano is knocked off balance by (Gerard) Pique, he falls, the referee rules play on and Cristiano unintentionally makes Mascherano fall.
"I have never seen a foul committed with a player's back; perhaps the goal would have changed the course of the match. It's a true fact.
"The mistake was made and it hurt us, but we are not suggesting any conspiracy theory.
"Real Madrid is accustomed to always fighting until the very end. We had faith in our chances and we played four matches; one that we won, two that we drew and one that we lost.
"The team is improving. It is a young squad with a lot of room for improvement."
