Real Madrid's players want to rally from its first defeat of the season to quash claims the club is too reliant on star Cristiano Ronaldo. Questions over whether Madrid is too dependent on Ronaldo have hit Madrid since Sunday's 2-1 loss at Sevilla, which the Portugal forward missed with an ankle injury.

"Things could have possibly turned out differently with Cristiano," Madrid right back Sergio Ramos said Tuesday.

Madrid spent over euro250 million ($365 million) on new players, including Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso this offseason, although the other three played far from their best at Sevilla.

"You can't make excuses based on the absence of one player. It's clear that he's very important for us -- he's the best in the world," defender Raul Albiol said of Ronaldo, who cost Madrid a record euro94 million ($136 million) from Manchester United.

"But we have very good players who can replace him. We have to forget about it and focus on the work at hand. The rest of the season awaits ... we have to stay calm."

Sports director Miguel Pardeza said patience was important as the team gels following its overhaul.

"Barcelona needed almost 20 years to achieve their success, their style. It's something that comes with work and with time," Pardeza told El Mundo newspaper. "The demands and expectations are one thing, but the reality is something else."

Pardeza also backed new coach Manuel Pellegrini, who is already under pressure with Madrid failing its first big test of the season.

"We have made our choice and the logical thing is to back it," Pardeza said. "He doesn't easily lose his cool and that's a positive. In a club as difficult as this ... it's better to have steady nerves. Pellegrini is capable of driving this Ferrari."