Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes that his side's inability to thwart Real Madrid's counter-attacking threat cost them in last night's El Clasico.

Barca took the lead last night through Neymar, but then conceded three times without reply as they lost 3-1 at the Bernabeu.

"There was a half for both teams. The second was for Madrid and we conceded the second goal from a corner," he told AS.

"Then we helped them and let them play on the counter-attack. The first half was good for Barcelona. We wanted to remain vigilant in the second but they're good on the break.

"We could have scored the second goal but we missed chances and you can't do that at Santiago Bernabeu. You end up paying. The third goal is unfortunate on the flanks. They live on the counter-attack and we weren't able to stop them."

Xavi was something of a surprise starter for the visitors, but he departed for Ivan Rakitic in the second period.