Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has admitted that he is disappointed after Los Blancos drew 0-0 with city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Zinedine Zidane's side, who relied on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois heavily in the first half, improved in the second period but could not take advantage of Barcelona's draw earlier in the day.
Ramos was pleased that his side kept a clean sheet against Diego Simeone's charges, but also told Goal.com that Real could have pushed for a winner.
"We knew the importance of these three points to take advantage of Barcelona slipping up. The draw feels disappointing after the great job we've done," the Spaniard said.
"In the first half Atletico pushed higher, but in the second we controlled the game and just missed the finishing touch that we've had in other games. We have to look forward now. You always have to have the utmost respect for the opponent because in these games mistakes are decisive, so it's better to be careful and not pay the price.
"The team dug in well, controlled the game and dominated, but we've not been successful in front of goal and we've dropped points."
Real and Atletico are both in Champions League action next week against CSKA Moscow and Club Brugge respectively.
Jonny Whitfield
