Rijkaard disappointed after Real defeat

The Dutchman said: “We can accept the defeat because my team reacted well, but this result is not going to decide the league.

“This does not mean that we will lose our main target and although I am not worried, I am disappointed because the team always wants to play well and,of course, win.

“The team did not begin well and the first goal gave them strength.”

He continued: “That goal came too early and we had to battle back.

“Our reaction was strong and we dominated the midfield completely, but I had the sensation that despite that we lacked bite.

“We fought to earn a result but we did not take our chances and they did, but we have lost a game at a ground where it is always difficult to play.

“For those reasons I can accept this defeat. We have to carry on working and our time will come.

“I think it was bad luck that we could not score one of our opportunities.”