Sergio Ramos has defended Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka after the club’s recent defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Ramos added that Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz had a hand in denying Los Merengues in their 1-0 defeat last weekend.

"I always said that when Madrid win, it wasn't just because of Ronaldo, Kaka or another, and when you lose it is not fair to blame the failures on these people alone," Ramos told Marca in an interview.

"I do not blame them for anything, we gave everything we had, the difference was marginal, which is unfortunate," Ramos added. "We must not forget about Iraizoz, who was very successful."

The Spain international also warned his Los Blancos team-mates that another slip-up would leave them out of the title race as Real are now five points adrift, behind Barcelona at the summit of La Liga.

"When there is a five point difference you have to be much more careful, a bigger lead would be important because the leader has room to fail slightly.

"But I repeat, there are lots of games remaining and we will not give up."