Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde was in pragmatic mood following their 0-0 El Clasico draw with Real Madrid.
Neither side created much in terms of goal scoring chances, with a total of eight yellow cards handed out in a tense battle at the Camp Nou, with the Catalan side remaining top of La Liga.
Real Madrid had the better opportunities in the first 45 minutes, with Barcelona struggling to break through their high press, but the hosts did miss gilt edged chances to win the game after break.
"It was a game that was filled with disputed battles, with both teams having good periods during the match," he told Marca in his post-match interview.
"There has been a lot of tension and cards, but that is a classic situation in El Clasico."
"We end the year level with Real Madrid (only top by goal difference), and that is frustrating."
"Of course we wanted to win, but against a strong opponent that is not always possible, and it is complicated."
Valverde also confirmed that midfielder Sergio Busquets was omitted from the starting line up after developing a virus overnight, with a decision on his fitness made less than an hour before kick off.
The former Athletic Bilbao dismissed suggestions that the Spanish international was dropped at the last minute, confimring that he should be fit for the weekend clash with Alaves.
