Xabi: Real Madrid can be positive about Copa exit

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso feels there's plenty of positives to draw from their Copa exit at the hands of Barcelona.

Xabi does not think Jose Mourinho's team should be disheartened as they turn their attention back to La Liga, where they lead Pep Guardiola's side by five points at the season's midway stage.

He told realmadrid.com: "We gave a very good performance. It's a shame really, but feeling we were superior is important.

"We had to score three goals and we didn't manage it, but we fought to the end. We knew it would be difficult but we tried to the very end.

"The team showcased psychological strength. We never gave up and continued to fight. It just didn't happen.

"Our two goals may not have been enough to win the tie, but we're proud because we were better than them. We may have lacked a little luck. We had more chances to score than them throughout the match."