Deportivo scoff at Madrid claims

Deportivo la Coruna players have dismissed Real Madrid’s protests that they are being subjected to victimisation by the whole of Spain.

Los Blanquiazules were quick to respond after the Spanish champions had complained that Valencia had employed strong-arm tactics in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat.

"I don’t believe it. Real Madrid are treated in the same way as they always have been," midfielder Jose Emilio Amavisca, a former Madrid player, told the newspaper 'La Voz de Galicia'.

"It’s typical of big sides. It has also happened with Brazil. When players are facing the top teams they go out full of motivation. Sometimes they go over the top but it’s not because they hate a certain team. It’s just because they are desperate to win," Brazilian veteran Mauro Silva added.

Madrid’s complaints were all the more forceful after their team bus was stoned by Valencia fans as it was leaving the ground on Saturday.

"Again this is nothing new. It sometimes happens to Madrid in certain cities. I don’t think it will happen more often this season," Amavisca concluded.