Soccer:Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has joined coach Jose Mourinho in suggesting there is a conspiracy against teams facing Barcelona in Champions League ties.

Madrid on Wednesday lost 2-0 at home to the Catalans, Lionel Messi scoring two late goals after the home side had had Pepe sent-off for a high challenge on Dani Alves. Ronaldo felt his countryman's dismissal was unjust and echoed the sentiments of Mourinho, who labelled the match "the scandal at the Bernabeu".

The former Manchester United man said: "I do not understand why everyone playing against them (Barcelona) in the Champions League ends with 10 men, Arsenal, Chelsea...

"It is not an excuse but playing against 10 is very different to playing with 11."

Asked whether he had quizzed referee Wolfgang Stark afterwards, he said: "If I had tried to talk to him I would have got a yellow card. We are sad in the dressing room because every year is the same."

Ronaldo also bemoaned the fact his rival for the 'world's greatest player' tag, Messi, was allowed to showcase his talents against a weakened side with the Argentinian taking full advantage with a stunning individual goal to add to his earlier tap-in.

"I wish I had the chance as Messi did to play against 10 because then everything is so much easier," said Ronaldo.

Madrid's leading scorer felt his side were in a good position at 0-0 when Pepe was red-carded.

"We controlled the game at 11 versus 11 but we conceded two goals when we were down to 10. Every year is the same and I do not understand. The truth is that getting through the tie is now very difficult, but in football anything can happen.

"A goalless draw would have been a good result. We had a strategy. At the end Kaka would play a few minutes and we were going to attack. Football is all about strategies."

Ronaldo's team-mate Xabi Alonso accepted Madrid were now up against it as they look to battle back at the Nou Camp and set up a final clash against either Manchester United or Schalke.

Alonso told TeleMadrid: "Pepe's dismissal changed the game. We will go to the Nou Camp in a professional way but it is complicated. We prepare for games like this all season and the referee has got it wrong.

"I am biased but I did not think it was a red card."