Sergio Ramos: 'Valencia defeat will strengthen Real Madrid'

Sergio Ramos is confident that Real Madrid will grow stronger as a result of their shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia on Sunday.

The Blancos' 22-game winning streak came to an end at the Mestalla as second-half goals from Antonio Barragan and Nicolas Otamendi negated Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half penalty.

Carlo Ancelotti's side stay one point clear of Barcelona - who have played one game more - at the summit of the table, and Ramos says that the result at Los Che strengthens their mood for La Liga glory.

He told AS: "I won't take anything away from Valencia. I'm hurt by the loss of three points and the end of the run, but the league is long. We didn't sing about our victories before the match nor will we throw the towel in on La Liga now.

"They played their system, they managed to do well, they put plenty of players in the middle of the field and they have taken the points.

"But I think if anything has characterised this group it is the humility and work, and this will not change that. It will make us stronger. We will continue to grow as a confident team."

The European champions host Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.