Dani Alves admitted Real Madrid were the better team in Barcelona’s 2-1 Clasico defeat on Saturday as “losing always hurts a lot”.
Barca saw their La Liga lead cut to seven points and 39-match unbeaten run come to an end after Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner handed Madrid bragging rights at Camp Nou, and Alves had no complaints with the result.
“We weren’t able to read the game properly,” the right-back said after the game.
“We didn’t put them under enough difficulty. They took away our space and eventually managed to win the game.
“We didn’t create much, and when you don’t, it decreases your chances of winning.
“We never look for excuses or blame. I think that after our first goal, we lost control of the game, we weren’t fluent in our play and they made it difficult for us [with the equaliser]. They’re very quick.
“Then came their second goal. We were too open, and we must avoid making these mistakes because these matches can ultimately prove decisive.
“Losing always hurts a lot, but beyond that is the fact of not having beaten our rivals in the title race.
“We must be used for all kinds of situations. We knew it’d be very difficult, but the title is won by consistency and not a single game.
“These parties do not mean anything but for the fans. We must bounce back on Tuesday because we have another stone [to turn].”
