Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka was critical of the work of referee Teixeira Vitienes? in the 2-2 draw against Barcelona during the Supercopa first leg.
The Spanish capital club had penalty claims dismissed by the referee in the 82nd minute as goalkeeper Victor Valdes caught Cristiano Ronaldo's legs with his right arm and prevented the Portuguese international from reaching the ball.
Real Madrid had previously voiced its disappointment with the way last season's matches against Barcelona were officiated, with coach Jose Mourinho receiving a five-match ban following comments about the integrity of the Champions League semi-final first-leg referee.
And questioned about Vitienes?' work on Sunday, Karanka said: "Madrid have improved but there are things that seemingly do not change. We will continue working hard."
Madrid's assistant lamented his men's wastefulness in front of goal, but was still happy with what they achieved on the field.
"The result is what it is and we stand by the way we played. It is a shame that with the way we performed and the opportunities we had we could not get the victory, but you have to be happy with how the players worked."
"The team showed the same level of the pre-season, we are very happy because this was the consequence of the work we have been doing."
"But when you do everything that is possible and you do not win, you get a bittersweet taste, but it is clear the team are better than last year and that is our consolation."
Quizzed about the fact that it was him, and not Mourinho, to address the media, Karanka said: "This is something we already did last year. In the pre-season in the USA, I already spoke to the media. This is our work dynamic."