Alonso: We played well

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso felt his team were unlucky to leave the Nou Camp empty-handed last night after creating the better chances in their 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in 'El Derbi'.

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Xabi Alonso: Real deserved more

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"I feel like we could have done better,'' he told Real Madrid's website. "We deserved more. We had more chances, especially in the first half. It's a shame.

"It was a neck-and-neck battle from start to finish.

"Perhaps they had more possession, but we had better opportunities. They didn't feel comfortable on the pitch.

"It's a pity we couldn't score first because I am sure the outcome would have been much different.

"We played close together and knew how to move the ball quickly in attack, but all we missed out on was a goal.''

However Alonso is keen to stress that despite the importance of the game, Madrid only lost three points.

"It was an important match, but it wasn't decisive,'' he said.

"There is a long season ahead and each match is another step towards the goal. Now we must focus on Almeria.''

Alonso's goalkeeper Iker Casillas agreed with his team-mate's assessment of the match.

"We had many chances,'' he said. "Cristiano Ronaldo had a bunch in the first half, but we lacked accuracy. Barcelona capitalised with a great strike by Ibrahimovic. The final score is unfair. We deserved a draw.

Madrid director general Jorge Valdano was impressed with his team's performance.

"It was an intense match and we had control during most of it, but the scoreboard reflects otherwise and it is a little unfair,'' he said.

"We are pleased with our players' composure but disappointed with the outcome. Matches like this one are good to see just where we stand.

"From our standpoint, we feel like we are making good progress.''

Returning to the side after injury, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a fantastic chance to give Manuel Pellegrini's side the lead when he shot straight at Victor Valdes when left alone in the penalty area. Ronaldo was able to last 65 minutes before being replaced.

"Cristiano wasn't in good enough shape to play the entire match,'' Valdano conceded.

"We didn't know whether to start him or not, but the doctor said he could only play for an hour.

"He was more worried about his lungs than his ankle because he needs to get back into a rhythm that he lost from being out for so long.''