Barcelona defender Dani Alves has stressed that his foul on Cristiano Ronaldo in Sunday's 4-3 La Liga win at the Santiago Bernabeu was outside the area and that the referee was wrong to award Real Madrid a penalty.
Undiano Mallenco wrongfully pointed to the spot after the Brazil international brought down Ronaldo just outside the box after 55 minutes of play, allowing Madrid to go 3-2 up.
Nevertheless, Alves admitted that it was not an easy decision for the arbiter and refused to blame Mallenco for his mistake.
"I did catch Ronaldo for the penalty, but I immediately realised it was outside the area," Alves told ESPN Brasil.
"It was a difficult decision for the referee, though. He has to make up his mind in a split-second.
"In the end, all that matters is that we got the full three points."
The right-back then went on to discuss Barcelona's title chances and insisted that they will continue to give their all right until the end of the season.
"It has been a difficult season for us because Real Madrid and Atletico have been in fine form.
"It's not easy when you don't have matters in your own hand, but I can assure you that we will fight right until the end to retain our title."
Barcelona currently sit third in the Liga table, trailing both Madrid sides by one point.
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