Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admits Rayo Vallecano forced them to battle for Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Joselu scored early before Rayo equalised through a Raul de Tomas penalty. Real also had Dani Carvajal sent off in injury time.

Ancelotti said: “In the first half we started very well. We were good on the ball, we got a goal and we could've scored another. Until the penalty we did everything great. After that the game changed, there was more fighting and a lot more interruptions.

"It wasn't that easy to create chances in a situation like that. We fought hard and ended up with a draw. We're not happy, but we're in a good position. We're calm and relaxed.

“After the equaliser everything changed. It was the kind of match we don't like, full of fights and interruptions. We have to accept it because sometimes matches are like that. What's important is that we fought and competed until the end. We want to win every game, but to win the league you can't lose the games you can't win. Sometimes there are draws that hurt, but they can be a positive step towards winning the league."