Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed his side's exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Atletico Madrid, as well as their winless run against their local rivals.

Los Blancos have not defeated Atletico in their last five attempts, but the Italian insists that his team's position at the top of La Liga is of greater significance.

"We paid dearly for making mistakes we do not usually do. Above all in bringing out the ball from the back," he told reporters after Real bowed out of the cup 4-2 on aggregate.

"We found a way to beat them last year, but not yet this year. But it's not so important. In La Liga we've an advantage over Atletico."

Real went into the second leg trailing 2-0, crashing out of the competition following a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.