Real Madrid got their Champions League season off to an auspicious start on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, in Croatia.

Argentine winger Angel di Maria scored the lone goal in the 53rd minute with a left-footed one-touch strike off the assist from Marcelo.

Twenty minutes later, Marcelo would receive his second yellow card, this time for diving, and Real Madrid would play the final 17 minutes with only 10 men.

Despite conceding a goal, Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Kelava made some quality saves to deny Karim Bezema and Mesut Ozil from putting the game out of reach.

However, Dinamo failed to create enough scoring opportunities with the man advantage. In total, the club took 12 shots, with two on goal, compared to Real Madrid's 24 shots with 11 on goal.

Los Galacticos also dominated ball possession at 59 percent.

Brazilian-born Croatian Sammir failed to make a serious impact in the match. The attacking midfielder was active in the Dinamo attack, but did not give a real test to goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Serving a ban for misconduct, head coach Jose Mourinho watched from the upstairs booth, while assistant coach Aitor Karanka was on the sideline.

Croatian fans jeered Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps the world's best player.

I think I am whistled at because I am handsome, rich and a great player and people are jealous of me, said Ronaldo.

Having a reputation for diving after minimal contact, the Portuguese star criticized the referee for not giving midfielder Jerko Leko at least a yellow card for his harsh foul that resulted in a bloody ankle.

I hope we will not have a repeat of this refereeing performance, it was shameful, said Ronaldo, according to ESPN. Some referees allow them to give me stick like (the Dinamo players) did today. Referees always say before games they will protect players with more skill but few do. I do not understand it.

Real Madrid's next Champions League match will be at home against Ajax on September 27.

Take a look at highlights from the Dinamo - Real Madrid match:

Real Madrid Real Madrid