Coach Mauricio Pochettino: Espanyol Can Only Improve After Playing Real Madrid

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino believes his side could have been more aggressive when pushing forward in the first-half against Real Madrid, especially after Blancos 'keeper Iker Casillas was sent off.

"It is a shame about the result [losing 1-0], as we had high hopes for the match," the tactician told Marca post-match. "With the sending-off of Casillas, we could have pushed forward more, but we will learn from our experience this evening."

"The loss will not affect the group, as we will be returning home with positive thoughts in our minds."

"The team failed to go forward in the fisrt-half, but in the second, we were much better, not being as defensive. I especially liked how the team reacted after conceding the goal."

Pochettino also spoke about how his side managed to contain striker Emmanuel Adebayor and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We are talking about top players here," he added. "They have great physical strength and speed."

"What we did worked, and it was not easy."

Real Madrid remain only five points behind leaders Barcelona, and 10 points ahead of third-placed Valencia.