Real Sociedad coach David Moyes admitted his "brave" side had ultimately been outplayed by Real Madrid in Saturday's 4-1 defeat at the Bernabeu.
Moyes' side shocked the Liga leaders by going ahead through Aritz Elustondo's header after just 38 seconds, raising the possibility that the former Everton and Manchester United manager could add Madrid to Barcelona to his list of La Liga giant-killings.
However James Rodriguez soon equalised with a close range header, and Los Blancos ran out easy winners with further goals from Sergio Ramos and a Karim Benzema second half double.
The Scot told his postgame news conference that his side had come to the Bernabeu to be brave and play their own game, but the difference in quality between the teams had shown in the end.
"The way they played in the first half was as good as I have come up against," Moyes said. "I think we came and tried to be brave on the ball, to pass the ball when we had it.
"We had a great start in the game, but you have to look at the difference in quality between the two squads. It was noticeable today. We did not defend as well as we can, but we tried to get the ball and pass it. We tried to be a match for them, but their quality showed through in the end."
Conceding just two minutes after going ahead during the game's helter-skelter opening had been a particular disappointment, Moyes said.
"I do not think the game had any time to settle," he said. "We scored from a corner and had a great opportunity to have a platform to hold on to. But we were not able to keep that. I do not know if we touched ball again until they scored.
"We know they're terrific from crosses, we worked on it, but the first two goals came from crosses to the back post area. I was a bit disappointed with my defenders. We had worked on that, being aware of people coming into the box, what was happening over their shoulder, but they were up against top players today."
The visitors' cause was also not helped by injuries to top scorer Carlos Vela and ex-Madrid midfielder Sergio Canales, who both exited the game with knee problems. Vela's issue looked the more serious, and Moyes said the Mexico international could be set for a significant spell on the sidelines.
"We think it's a medial meniscus problem," he said. "We will have scan when possible, we are not sure yet. But think it might be medial injury."
Vela's potential absence makes it even more frustrating that La Real were not able to add to their squad during the January transfer window.
"Carlos Vela is a super player, very important for us," he said. "We were disappointed not to make some purchases in the January window. There is always the chance that could happen, you are not guaranteed to get the players you want. We tried very hard, but we hope the injury is not too bad. Someone else will get a chance to show what he can do, if he is injured."
The Scot said he had not been aware of some resentment in the Bernabeu stands towards Madrid's Gareth Bale, but the coach -- who wanted to sign Bale while he was Manchester United coach -- was sure the Wales international would recover.
"Bale is a top player and the important thing with those players is to encourage them," Moyes added. "Bale had one or two chances today that on another day he would score. He is such a good player. There is nothing to worry about with him, today they did not need his goals, but I am sure he will come up with what's needed on the day they do."