Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid will continue to fight

Posted Sunday, March 03, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Sergio Ramos has declared that Real Madrid will do everything it possibly can to push Barcelona all the way in the race to win La Liga.

The defender netted a late winner as los Merengues secured their second Clasico victory in the space of five days and was adamant that his side will continue to fight until the title is completely out of their reach.

"Regarding the 13 point difference in La Liga, it is better than 16. The distance has been reduced somewhat and while they are not mathematically champions, we are obliged to fight," Ramos said to Canal Plus.

"We are pleased with the work we have done. With some different names in the starting eleven, the ones who played showed they have a place. We were worthy of the three points."

Scenes of controversy arose at the final whistle with Victor Valdes being shown a red card as the Barcelona players remonstrated with the referee after his decision not to award a penalty as Adriano went down following a tackle from Ramos.

However, the 26-year-old revealed he was unsure as to whether he touched the Brazilian and asserted that he felt it had a minimal impact on the outcome.

"I do not know if there is contact [with Adriano]. I'd have to see it to comment, but it is also true that there have been others and I do not think it's the determining play in the game," Ramos said.

Assistant coach Aitor Karanka admitted that he understood the reaction of the Barcelona players to the decision, but praised the Madrid players for their hard work throughout.

"In the last minutes anything could happen, but nothing happened and we won. It's logical they complain about last chance, they could have equalized, but 3 points stay here," Karanka said in his postmatch press conference.

He added, "This week has been so good for us. We are here to do do our job and not to look at the others. Many non-usual players played today. Their effort was excellent and the crowd was happy. We can rely on any player of this team.

"We are happy but we need to focus because on Tuesday we have another challenge. It's now time to focus on Manchester United."