Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has given his backing to English referee Howard Webb amid criticism from the Spanish press.

The locals are unhappy with UEFA's decision to place the 41-year-old in charge of Madrid's crucial semi-final return leg in the Champions League on Tuesday, with many feeling that his appointment gives the La Liga champions a smaller chance of progression.

However, the Portuguese international thinks that Europe's governing body was right to appoint the Yorkshire official as the referee for the clash.

"The truth is I like this referee a lot," Ronaldo told Marca.

"He is English, he has refereed many of my games there and I like him a lot.

"Things do not always go well for him, just as we players do not always play well."

The tie takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.