Ronaldo is a machine - Marcelo

The defender backed his team-mate and coach Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid were dumped out of the Champions League

Real Madrid left back Marcelo has defended Cristiano Ronaldo in the aftermath of his side's Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Juventus, hailing him as a "machine".

After a 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Turin, Ronaldo's penalty in Wednesday's return put Madrid on course for the final, only for the club's former striker Alvaro Morata to make it 3-2 on aggregate.

But Marcelo was quick to try and raise spirits after the game by leaping to the defence of his team-mate and accusing critics of making unfair comments.

"Cristiano has not had a dip in form," the defender told Madrid's official website.

"You are used to seeing him score three or four goals per game and when he scores one you say his form has dipped.

"He is a machine, he works extremely hard and helps the team. It is unfair to talk of a dip in form."

Marcelo also stood in support of under-pressure boss Carlo Ancelotti, whose future now appears uncertain after failing to retain the Champions League.

The result means the club's only remaining hope of silverware is in La Liga - where they trail leaders Barcelona by four points with two games remaining.

"Madrid always fight for everything and this season we are no longer going to be able to fight for two titles," the Brazil defender continued.

"La Liga is very difficult but not impossible. We are going to fight and try to win the last two games and see what happens.

"The coach is a winner. This year we have not been able to win two titles but I think that Ancelotti will stay on because he is a great coach."