Bosz refusing to blame defence for Madrid defeat

Cape Town - Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Bosz refused to blame his defence following their 3-1 loss to a rampant Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

A superb volleyed goal from Gareth Bale and a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid a first win at Signal Iduna Park in seven attempts, with the Bundesliga leaders replying through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The defeat leaves Dortmund with no points in Group H after they lost their opener to Tottenham two weeks ago.

The German side now have two games against bottom club APOEL to try and get their campaign back on track.

"We defend with 11 players and we attack with 11 players. You cannot blame the defence," Bosz said after the match.

"Against a very good opponent, who made almost no mistakes, we always were a step late.

"We need to defend better. We couldn't pressure the ball in nearly every moment of the game. That's what makes it hard against such opposition, who have quality. We have to analyse this and improve."

Despite the defeat, Bosz remained positive, and said that Dortmund could have had a first-half penalty after Sergio Ramos appeared to clear the ball using his hand.

"It was 0-0, and it [the Ramos incident] was a clear handball, but also Real Madrid were better than us and deservedly won,'' said Bosz. "However, there are still four [group] games left. We must win against Nicosia and then see where we are.''

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, meanwhile, praised his side for a ‘perfect’ performance.

"The truth is it was perfect," Zidane said. "We played a great game from start to finish. We started the game spectacularly against a rival who can make it difficult for you.”

“The key was to keep possession and to press well. We had some tough moments in the second half, but I am very proud of what the players did. Playing with authority was the key today."