The hosts scored the fastest goal in Clasico history through Karim Benzema to go ahead after just 22 seconds, but they then squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to double their advantage midway through the first half when an out-of-sorts Cristiano Ronaldo sliced horribly wide from just inside the box.
The Portuguese’s profligacy was swiftly punished as Barca equalised on the half-hour through Alexis Sanchez before going on to reclaim top spot in La Liga with a deflected strike from Xavi and a terrific team effort finished off by Cesc Fabregas.
"We were 1-0 up and we had that opportunity for Cristiano but failed [to take it],” Pepe told reporters after the game in the Spanish capital.
“It was a game that was a little bit strange for us, but Barcelona have been very lucky and that decided the game.”
The Brazilian-born Portugal defender admitted that Real’s players were devastated by the setback, which brought an end to their 15-game winning streak, but insisted that they do not intend to wallow in their defeat.
"It hurts to lose in front of our fans, and after we had started the game well,” he admitted.
"We wanted to leave with the points, but that has not been possible. We now have a game in the League Cup [against Ponferradina on Tuesday night] and then another one in the league against Sevilla; we have to win to get to Christmas feeling calm.
“We had intended to leave the league decided [by winning]. Now we only think about fighting even more."
Indeed, Pepe was quick to point out that, while losing to Barcelona is always particularly painful, Madrid remain in a good position in the La Liga standings as they willreclaim top spot if they at least draw their game in hand.
We will continue working, continue moving forward,” the 28-year-old centre-half declared.
“I think that the important thing is the awareness that it is only three points [that have been dropped].”
Pepe, who has been capped 37 times by Portugal, arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2007 and is now closing in on his 100th appearance for Madrid.
The Portuguese’s profligacy was swiftly punished as Barca equalised on the half-hour through Alexis Sanchez before going on to reclaim top spot in La Liga with a deflected strike from Xavi and a terrific team effort finished off by Cesc Fabregas.
"We were 1-0 up and we had that opportunity for Cristiano but failed [to take it],” Pepe told reporters after the game in the Spanish capital.
“It was a game that was a little bit strange for us, but Barcelona have been very lucky and that decided the game.”
The Brazilian-born Portugal defender admitted that Real’s players were devastated by the setback, which brought an end to their 15-game winning streak, but insisted that they do not intend to wallow in their defeat.
"It hurts to lose in front of our fans, and after we had started the game well,” he admitted.
"We wanted to leave with the points, but that has not been possible. We now have a game in the League Cup [against Ponferradina on Tuesday night] and then another one in the league against Sevilla; we have to win to get to Christmas feeling calm.
“We had intended to leave the league decided [by winning]. Now we only think about fighting even more."
Indeed, Pepe was quick to point out that, while losing to Barcelona is always particularly painful, Madrid remain in a good position in the La Liga standings as they willreclaim top spot if they at least draw their game in hand.
We will continue working, continue moving forward,” the 28-year-old centre-half declared.
“I think that the important thing is the awareness that it is only three points [that have been dropped].”
Pepe, who has been capped 37 times by Portugal, arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2007 and is now closing in on his 100th appearance for Madrid.
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