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La Liga

Apr 2, 2016 at 7.30pm UK

Barcelona
1-2
Real Madrid

Pique (56')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Benzema (62'), Ronaldo (85')

Luis Enrique: 'We must pick ourselves up'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 02 April 2016

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique calls on his players to respond from their disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid in Saturday's La Liga El Clasico.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has called on his team to 'pick themselves up' following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid in La Liga.

The Catalan outfit were on course to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 40 matches when Gerard Pique netted early in the second half, but goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo saw the hosts lose El Clasico.

"We have to pick ourselves up and rest. We are leaders and have to think the league is won by the most consistent team," Enrique told reporters. "What happened to us can happen in any game. We managed most of game, but suffered in transitions in last 15 mins. It is painful to lose at home, had to happen some day. But we must move on and prepare for the Champions League.

"Today did not go as we expected, we wanted to give joy to all cules. But it was difficult as we played against rivals with quality. Losses can teach you that all trophies are difficult to win. The players know how difficult any game can be."

Barcelona, who are still six points clear at the top of La Liga, will continue their Champions League defence with a quarter-final first leg at home to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.