'Girona were better!' - Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti gives frank verdict on Barcelona loss in Catalan derby

Barca were handily beaten at home by the league leaders on Sunday night, conceding four against a rampant Girona side to fall seven points off the top of La Liga. Madrid boss Ancelotti has offered his opinion on the game, after seeing his side slip to second place after their victory.

In a press conference before Madrid's Champions League clash with Union Berlin, Ancelotti praised Girona for their performance: "Barca-Girona was a very entertaining match, the two played toe-to-toe, Girona were better, had more success... I cannot criticize or make speeches about other teams, in terms of a tactics or analysis. I liked the match, it was entertaining. Girona’s ability to be at this level with so much personality and character is surprising."

With the win, Girona went two points clear at the top of the league, bettering Madrid — the only team to beat them this season. Los Blancos saw their title challenge take a momentary hit early in the weekend, when they were forced to settle for a frustrating point against Real Betis.

Los Blancos face Union in the Champions League Tuesday. They have already won their group and advanced to the knockout stage, with it being likely that Ancelotti will field a youthful side against the Bundesliga strugglers.