Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde defended their performance in defeat to Real Madrid for the Supercopa.

Barcelona were defeated 3-1 at home in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana on Sunday night.

"I don't have the feeling that we were as far away from [Real Madrid] as the scoreboard indicates," said Valverde in his post-match press conference.

"They scored three goals, but this was a game in which we played well and had chances.

"Reaching their danger zones isn't all that matters, as you also need to hit the target.

"I don't believe that we're lacking goalscoring ability, but they were more clinical.

"They caught us in a one-versus-one situation and then scored one wonder goal and then another to make it 3-1.

"It was an even game and they had a strong central midfield, which made playing inside difficult.

"Their second goal really hurt us.

"We congratulate them and we will try to improve for the next match."