Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas admits his side need to quickly solve their problems in defending set-pieces after slumping to defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Atletico Madrid.

Atletico’s opening goal in the 2-1 win at the Bernabeu came from a corner, Tiago glancing home a near-post header, and it was a similar story in the European champions’ 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad a fortnight ago, where the home side netted twice from dead-ball situations as they fought back from 2-0 down.

With Real already six points behind leaders Barcelona after three games in La Liga and about to start the defence of their Champions League title, Casillas admits it is an area they need to dramatically improve on.

“I understand the paranoia that we are suffering as we’re conceding goals from dead balls and as goalkeeper I accept responsibility,” he said.

“I’ll take my portion of the blame. We, as a team, however, need to find the answers as the problems are starting to accumulate.”

Real’s fans did not hide their frustration at seeing Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded side slump to a second home defeat to Atletico in successive seasons, and Casillas can understand their disappointment.

The 33-year-old insists all Real can do now, though, is move forward and try and make amends when they host Basle in their Champions League opener tomorrow.

“The fans are disappointed and a defeat hurts them as much as it hurts us,” Casillas admitted.