Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho praised his players' efforts despite their goalless draw at Osasuna on Saturday.

The Spanish champions, who had Kaka sent off, were restricted to few goal-scoring opportunities by the Primera Division strugglers, but Mourinho refused to criticise his charges.

"It's not easy to create chances here against opponents like these," explained Mourinho to reporters after the match. "We had chances to score though, not many, but we had some.

"I liked the attitude of the team, and several players had great games. [Raul] Albiol and [Fabio] Coentrao deserve praise, playing very well despite just returning from long injuries."

Mourinho added that Iker Casillas has responded gamely since he dropped the club icon.

"In our last two games, the team has played well defensively, and he has been a part of that," said Mourinho.

"I liked how he played against Celta as well, rising to the occasion to give his team a boost. Nevertheless, it is still too early to tell if he will play against Valencia on Tuesday."

Real next face Valencia in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.