Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said Saturday's shock 1-0 loss to Malaga at the Camp Nou was "deserved" and "damaging" for his team.
Barca went into the game on a run of 11 straight wins and with a chance to go top of La Liga for the first time since early November, but were thwarted by a superbly-organised Malaga, who scored the winner through forward Juanmi.
Luis Enrique told his postmatch news conference: "This result is damaging for us, although Malaga played a very good game and set up very well.
"We are used to these types of game. I would like it to be an accident, but it is normal that teams come here and close up. These results are good for making you realise that opponents also have their merits and quality. I would go as far to say this defeat was deserved."
Asked whether the setback would have an effect on Tuesday's Champions League game at Manchester City, Luis Enrique said facing the Premier League champions should quickly refocus his players.
"When defeats happen they are painful, and it is difficult to overcome them," he said. "We have a spectacular challenge in three days, and we must try and bounce back."
A Dani Alves mistake led to Malaga's goal in a game that saw Lionel Messi produce an unusually quiet showing. Luis Enrique said both Alves and all the players had to take responsibility for what went wrong.
"This is a game of mistakes and good moves," he said. "The whole team is to blame. When we do well we are all together, and the same when we slip up.
"We never individualise, and especially not after a defeat. The responsibility is for everyone. Me first."
It had been 16 years since Malaga last got anything from a visit to the Camp Nou, and they were without the influential Nacho Camacho and Nordin Ambrabat, both suspended.
But Javi Gracia's side, who drew 0-0 in September's reverse fixture, stood firm as Barcelona appeared to lose both shape and composure after the break.
"Other times we have hit back quickly, but have also not been able to before," Luis Enrique said.
"We found it difficult to make chances. There was disorganisation. Order is basic to win games, and we spoke about balance during half-time.
"With 20 minutes left, it seemed time was almost up and we had to launch bombs forward. We were not good in one-on-ones."
Barcelona's defeat means Madrid can stretch their lead to four points if they win at Elche on Sunday, but Luis Enrique predicted more twists and turns before the title race ended.
"The team who picks up the most points will win La Liga," he said. "The big teams will all drop points. There is a long way to go."