"Today hurts" - Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski sends strong message to fans after El Clasico loss against Real Madrid

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski has shared his hurt to lose against Real Madrid on Sunday (October 16) in the season's first El Clasico.

Los Blancos beat the Blaugrana 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo scored for the hosts, while Lewandowski assisted the only goal for the visitors, which was scored by Ferran Torres.

The Pole has shared a message on Instagram, saying that the defeat will make the team work harder:

"Today hurts, but it makes us work harder tomorrow. @fcbarcelona"

Real Madrid once again displayed their big-game experience as they nonchalantly brushed aside a Barcelona side that had only conceded once in seven games

With the win, Los Blancos have usurped Barcelona atop the standings, leading their arch-rivals by three points.

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Barcelona manager Xavi unimpressed with team in El Clasico defeat

Blaugrana tactician Xavi was left unimpressed by his team's poor defending and lack of maturity in the defeat against Los Blancos.

After the game, he said:

“We didn’t deserve to lose. In the first half we weren’t bad, but in the second half, they dominated us. With the changes, we were more aggressive. We have to change the mentality and the dynamic because in order to compete in these matches, you have to be more aggressive.”

The former Blaugrana midfielder added:

“We have to compete better. We were against a more mature team that knew how to take advantage of our moments. We are in a bad dynamic, and we have to change it.”

Meanwhile, Xavi's counterpart Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with the win. Singling out two players for particular praise, the Italian manager said:

“(Toni) Kroos and (Federico) Valverde were very, very good, in different ways. Kroos helped us play out from the back, and he was strong defensively. … Valverde is getting used to playing in this position (on the right). He’s scoring goals, and he has spectacular energy.”

Real Madrid (10) are also atop their UEFA Champions League group. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana (4) are on the cusp of dropping to the Europa League for the second game running, trailing second-placed Inter Milan by three points.