Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that his side "had a disadvantage" against Atletico Madrid in Thursday's Copa del Rey last-16 contest at Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico triumphed in the latest Madrid derby, with two extra-time goals giving Diego Simeone's side a 4-2 success after the contest was level at 2-2 following 90 minutes of action.
Real Madrid beat Barcelona 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, but Atletico had not been in action since losing 5-3 to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the same competition.
Ancelotti said that the quick turnaround meant that his side were always going to be at "a disadvantage", but the Italian was pleased with the effort of his players after being forced to go into extra-time with their rivals for the second time in the space of eight days.
"We had a disadvantage with Atletico because they had a week to prepare for the game and on a physical level they had a little more," Ancelotti told reporters during his post-match press conference.
"But we have competed until 120′ and it didn't seem like we were tired. Now we have two weeks to work well and improve our condition.
"It is not easy to evaluate this match. We have played well, we have competed until the end, we have fought and recovered from the disadvantage twice. There have been many opportunities, two crossbars and a goal annulled.
"We lost the game when we risked unnecessary plays, we lost the ball easily and were punished. I'm left with the feeling that it's been a very good game on our part. We have to think about recovering well and trying to win on Sunday.
"Atletico, like us, has made a tremendous effort. No one deserved to lose. We have lost, but we have to look ahead. We have given everything, I have nothing to reproach. As in all derbies, there are fights, but in the end, it has been a correct match.
"We are very solid in the league and less in the Cups. Atlético has dangerous players who score many goals, especially in the Metropolitano. Yes, we have fit in, but we have also marked many of them, which is not so simple.
"We have young people with extraordinary quality and who try it. The fact of trying has allowed us to win many games and recover today's. There are moments in the games where forcing the play is not necessary."
Real Madrid will be aiming to return to winning ways when they continue their La Liga campaign at home to bottom-of-the-table Almeria on Sunday afternoon.
Los Blancos have another five league matches, including a home game against Atletico, before returning to Champions League action, heading to Germany for the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 13. body check tags ::
