Real Madrid defender Nacho has claimed that his team were guilty of 'relaxing' during Saturday's 2-1 win over Sporting Gijon in La Liga.

Los Blancos eased into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes courtesy of a double from Cristiano Ronaldo, but Sporting were back in the game 10 minutes before the end of the first period when Carlos Carmona registered.

Sporting had the chance to level the scores in the latter stages through a Duje Cop spot kick, but the Croatian missed the target as an off-colour Real Madrid held on to collect all the points.

"We started the game well, but then we relaxed a bit and doubts began settling in. The pitch was difficult to play on, the game was scrappy, but we won't make excuses. What matters in the end is the three points," Nacho told reporters.

"I don't know if I did enough to concede a penalty, I don't want to get into that. What's important is the three points. It was important to get the three points and arrive with this advantage at Camp Nou. Now we'll see what the others do."

Real Madrid, who are currently seven points clear at the top of La Liga, will travel to Barcelona for the first Clasico of the season next weekend.