Rafael van der Vaart believes the team can win the league title. The Dutch midfielder also praised Huntelaar.

Athletic Bilbao’s goalkeeper, Gorka Iraizoz, yesterday said that there is a referee conspiracy that wants to make the championship exciting, and that they therefore helped you on Saturday. What do you think of that?
I don’t agree. I think we played well except in the opening ten minutes. We performed well and I don’t think the referee influenced the game. I believe he did a good job.

Do you think criticism towards Casillas has been exaggerated?
Iker Casillas doesn’t fake. I haven’t had a good look at what happened, but I think the Bilbao player deserved a red card, despite the fact that I never like to see people being sent off. I think we played well and that we deserved to win.

How would you say Huntelaar is doing?
He is in excellent form. We are very happy with him. He is a true killer inside the box and a player like him is a guarantee in the absence of Van Nistelrooy.

Every Dutch player on the team will play for the Netherlands. How does that make you feel?
I think the coach hasn’t decided what the final team will be like, but I’m happy about making the squad list. I hope to make the final cut because I’m not playing much now.

Do you think you have more chances to win the title than Barcelona, given that you are only playing in one championship and they are fighting to win three?
I think a six-point lead isn’t much. We managed to cut it by eight in two weeks, but we must win all eleven games. I think we can win the title.

You didn’t shake hands with Huntelaar after the game. Is there something wrong between you?
Not at all. I was disappointed because I didn’t play. He shook hands with other players and then sat in the first seat. We hugged in the dressing room. There’s nothing wrong between us.

Do you think it’s wrong for Raul not to play for Spain?
I’m sure I would call him up if I were the Spanish national coach, but I’m glad I’m not because it must be a very difficult job. Raul is extremely experienced, he isn’t old and he can help the team much. He is an excellent player.

Your situation doesn’t seem to change. Are you thinking about your future?
I’m having a difficult time because I’m used to playing more, but I would like to be successful at a club like Real Madrid. I want to stay here.