Real Madrid fullback Dani Carvajal insists fatigue was a factor for their 0-0 draw with Real Betis.
The 29-year-old pointed to the demanding nature of the fixture list at present, with Real Madrid having to juggle LaLiga Santander and Champions League commitments, as well as the number of players out injured.
"The schedule is very demanding and the large number of absentees is noticeable," Carvajal said in his post-match interview.
"Not only in that the coach can't rely on everyone, it's also that those who do play can't rest."
Real Madrid would have gone level on points with LaLiga Santander leaders Atletico Madrid with a win, yet Los Colchoneros can now pull five points ahead of their cross-city rivals if they beat Athletic Club on Sunday.
"We're sending out a message of optimism," he stated.
"There are 15 points left to play for and we're going to try and get all 15, but today was an opportunity to put pressure on [Atletico] and we didn't do it."
