Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka criticized referee Frank de Bleeckere following the 1-1 draw that saw his side knocked out of the semi-finals of the Champions League by FC Barcelona.

Although Marcelo's 65th minute goal gave Madrid a draw on the night in the Camp Nou Stadium, Real Madrid went out as a result of losing 2-0 at home to Barca last Wednesday.

Karanka was especially unhappy after the referee ruled out a goal from Gonzalo Higuain after 48 minutes for a previous foul from Cristiano Ronaldo on Javier Mascherano. Speaking for the suspended Jose Mourinho, Karanka made it clear his opinion on the decision

"The referee today didn't have an easy job. The coach was right, he said a week it was impossible to qualify and we see that was the case," said Karanka.

"I don't have to say anything because hundreds of millions of people have seen the game," he added about the decision.

Real Madrid's matchday delegate Chendo was caught by TV cameras speaking on his mobile phone, but Karanka denied that they had been in contact with Mourinho during the game, something that is forbidden under UEFA rules.

"We spoke about the team and what could happen during the match. We can't talk during the game, but discussed everything beforehand, " commented the assistant coach in his post-match press conference.

Despite of the European exit, Karanka drew positive conclusions from the four encounters against Barcelona which have ended with Real Madrid winning the Copa del Rey, while Barcelona have qualified for the Champions League final and have the league title within touching distance.

"Today we ended the game 11 against 11, we have drawn two games, won one and lost the other, last week with 11 we could have won that as well. Out of respect for everyone, we are not going to make a valuation of the season until it's over. We have seen today what the team can do," concluded Karanka.