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Primera Liga: Real Madrid's Iker Casillas blames poor defending from set-pieces for latest loss

Iker Casillas: Determined to stay at Real Madrid
Image: Iker Casillas: Frustrated by latest defeat

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas admits his side need to quickly solve their problems in defending set-pieces after slumping to defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Atletico Madrid.

Atletico's opening goal in the 2-1 win at the Bernabeu came from a corner, Tiago glancing home a near-post header, and it was a similar story in the European champions' 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad a fortnight ago, where the home side netted twice from dead-ball situations as they fought back from 2-0 down.

With Madrid already six points behind leaders Barcelona after three games in La Liga and about to start the defence of their Champions League title, Casillas admits it is an area they need to dramatically improve on.

The Spain captain told Canal Plus: "I understand the paranoia that we are suffering as we're conceding goals from dead-balls and as goalkeeper I accept responsibility. I'll take my portion of the blame. We, as a team, however, need to find the answers as the problems are starting to accumulate."

Real's fans did not hide their frustration at seeing Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded side slump to a second home defeat to Atletico in successive seasons, and Casillas can understand their disappointment.

The 33-year-old insists all Real can do now, though, is move forward and try and make amends when they host Basle in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.

"The fans are disappointed with the team and a defeat for Madrid hurts them as much as it hurts us. We're disappointed for the club and for the supporters. We didn't play as well as we needed to and it was the same situation in San Sebastian against Real Sociedad," Casillas said.

"The fans views are to be respected. If they feel the need to whistle then we need to accept this and keep working hard. We need to change the dynamic. They're entitled to complain and my way of responding is the only way I know, playing football."

He added on his club's website: "We didn't have luck on our side. We wanted the three points and to make up for San Sebastian.

"It wasn't to be and it's a step backwards. We have to think about Tuesday, about the Champions League, and clearly we can't fail."

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