Marcelo, like team-mate Royston Drenthe, has found himself under fire from his own supporters during some home games but even the Brazilian's most ardent critic will have struggled to find fault with his performance against Almeria.

Not only did he open the scoring with a thunderous 25-yard shot with his less-favoured right foot but he might also have been celebrating a hat-trick after also hitting the crossbar and bringing a fine save out of visiting goalkeeper Diego Alves at the start of the second half.

Marcelo, who is usually a left-back by trade but has flourished since being given a more attacking role by Madrid coach Juande Ramos, said: "I was speaking with Iker (Casillas) and he told me that they've whistled players like Zidane, Ronaldo and himself.

"If they've done it with players of that stature then it's normal that it would happen to me. I'm working hard to convince the fans and so that they don't go back to whistling me."

The 20-year-old's wonder strike was his second of the season, following a goal during last month's 4-0 win at Sporting Gijon, and the former Fluminense defender's celebrations showed just how much he enjoyed scoring at the Bernabeu.

"I'm very happy with the goal. We are a family and whenever I score a goal I want to celebrate with all my team-mates," he said. "One player cannot win a game on his own, we are a family."

Coach Ramos added: "Marcelo is growing and every day he feels better on the left of midfield. He scored a great goal that will boost his confidence. The fact that he opened scoring is great for both him and the team."