Real Madrid players are disappointed with their 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in the top of the table clash on Sunday.

Substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic latched onto a pinpoint cross by Dani Alves to score the winner in one of the most highly-anticipated El Clasicos in recent times.

Real had threathen to score with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line but Barca held firm. The defending champions retook the lead in La Liga with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Real Madrid at Nou Camp.

Both sides also had a man sent off with Barca's Sergio Busquets and Real's Lassana Diarra given their marching orders.

According to realmadrid.com, Real midfielder Xabi Alonso felt his team 'could have done better'.

"We deserved more. We had more chances, especially in the first half. It's a shame," said the former Liverpool midfielder.

"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. It was an important match, but it wasn't decisive. There is a long season ahead and each match is another step towards the goal. Now we must focus on Almeria."

Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who had no chance with Zlatan's perfect volley, said: "We had many chances. Cristiano Ronaldo had a bunch in the first half, but we lacked accuracy. The final score is unfair. We deserved a draw."

"Barcelona capitalised with a great strike by Ibrahimovic."