Guardiola concedes La Liga title to Real Madrid after Clasico defeat

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has conceded the La Liga title to Real Madrid in the wake of the Catalan side’s damaging 2-1 defeat in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Saturday evening.

Goals from Sami Khedira and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Jose Mourinho’s men a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the table, and Guardiola has been quick to offer praise to Jose Mourinho's side, while also commending the efforts of his own squad.

Speaking to the media after the match, he said: "First of all, congratulations to Madrid, for the win and the league title they have confirmed today. I wouldn't change my players for anything. These players have been in this situation and have shown they can get up."

Guardiola also felt that his side dealt well with the attacking prowess of Madrid, but conceded that they didn't do enough to win the game.

He added: “We controlled Madrid's counterattacks pretty well, they didn't create a lot of chances, but at the end they did a bit more.”

He also stressed that Barcelona will now turn to the Champions League, and the match with Chelsea on Tuesday, concluding: "I feel bad for the fans. But the players have been giving everything, for four years already now, so I hope they understand. Now the players should relax a bit, and then focus on Chelsea. We should see if we can get in the right spirit.”