Cristiano Ronaldo was left angry

Cristiano Ronaldo was left angry and bloody following Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

The Portugal international has now hit out at referee Svein Moen for a lack of protection.

The winger was on the receiving end of several heavy challenges with one, from Jerko Leko, causing an ankle wound which required stitches after the game.

Madrid emerged 1-0 victors thanks to Angel Di Maria's 53rd-minute strike but Ronaldo was left far from impressed with the performance of Norwegian official Moen after the match .

The £80million man said: "I hope we will not have a repeat of this refereeing performance. It was shameful.

"Some referees allow them to give me stick like (the Dinamo players) did today.

"Referees always say before games they will protect players with more skill but few do. I do not understand it."

Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka was also unhappy at the treatment meted out to his star player and aggrieved that full-back Marcelo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for diving with 17 minutes to go.

Karanka, standing in for the suspended Jose Mourinho, said: "It's worrying to see Marcelo was sent off when Cristiano Ronaldo is receiving stitches in the dressing room.

"All players should be equally protected."

Ronaldo's team-mates also came out in support of the world's most expensive player following the game.

Karim Benzema said on his club's website: "I hope Cristiano recovers soon. I saw him suffer. The referee did a very bad job. We don't understand why Marcelo saw a red card and Leko didn't."

Match-winner Di Maria added: "The referee wasn't good. The challenge on Cristiano deserved a booking and they could have ended the match with 10 men.

"The referee didn't think the challenge deserved a booking, but Cristiano received stitches and Marcelo was sent off for nothing."

Ronaldo also believes jealousy is the reason why he often receives hostile receptions by opposition fans.

"I think it's because I'm rich, handsome and a great player. They envy me - there's no other explanation,'' he said.

"We are very happy with the three points we took, but I'm not so satisfied with the refereeing. I hope we never have this referee again."