Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has conceded that Barcelona "deserved" to win the Spanish Super Cup.
In the second El Clasico of the 2022-23 campaign, Barcelona ran out 3-1 winners, with the result seeing the Catalan giants lift the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Xavi's side were two goals ahead at the interval, with Gavi and Robert Lewandowski both on the scoresheet, before Pedri put the match beyond Real Madrid with a close-range finish in the 69th minute.
Real Madrid did get their name on the scoresheet late on through Karim Benzema, but it was only a consolation for the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Ancelotti has admitted that Barcelona "played better" on the night and "deserved" to win the trophy for the 14th time in their history.
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"Our mistakes have decided the game. We have not been successful in getting the ball out and they have scored two goals like that. From there the game changed. It was a bad match for everyone and there was no lack of attitude," the Italian told reporters after the match, as quoted by Madrid Universal.
"In my head there is no talk of humiliation, that's too much. In sports sometimes you win and other times they beat you. We have lost a game with Barcelona, as we beat them in La Liga. They have played better and they have deserved it.
"The team is hurt because they usually win finals, but we have all the resources to improve. There is no doubt that Real Madrid will always come back.
"It is not a critical moment, but it is complicated and difficult, as usually happens during a season. Usually there are moments of difficulty and that is why we have to fix it soon with the commitment and attitude of always.
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"The team has not been very intense and not very successful. We have had 25 losses in the first half, little intensity in the one-on-one one, and we have lost many duels. It has been an incomplete match in all aspects.
"When you concede three goals it means that you have to improve the defensive aspect. Players need to realise that these mistakes are easy to avoid. Before the errors, both teams had an opportunity to score.
"Later, when they take the lead, they are closer to winning and it is difficult to come back, as happened to us in the league game.
"We have to raise our heads and think carefully about what we are going to do. We will be competitive and forceful again, but we must improve the defensive aspect, which is costing us more at the moment."
Real Madrid will be bidding to return to winning ways when they travel to Villarreal in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night.
Matt Law
