Spanish Primera Liga: David Beckham has insisted this is not the end of an era at Real Madrid, despite their humiliating 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou on Saturday night that puts them seven points behind their bitter rivals Barcelona.

This Barca-Madrid contest seemed for once to be worthy of its billing: first against second, with 10 candidates for European footballer of year on display. But rather than two giants locking horns, the lasting sensation was of two clubs on very different journeys.

The pace, hunger and talent of Barcelona were simply too much for a Madrid side completely dominated, bloated in its self-importance, and seemingly in terminal decline.

The opening goal was a telling portrayal: Roberto Carlos, leaden-footed throughout, carelessly slowed to a halt before standing aside to allow Samuel Eto'o to dash past Iker Casillas and run the ball home.

There was a beautifully crafted second goal, coolly created by Deco and scored by Giovanni van Bronckhorst just before half-time, and a third from the penalty spot - converted by Ronaldinho.

Small wonder Beckham described the return trip to the capital as "difficult"; no surprise that he and his team-mates awoke to headlines declaring the beginning of the end.

Yet Beckham said: "People always talk about end of an era when a big club like Real Madrid lose a game. I don't think it's the end of any cycle, I just think it's a bad result.

"I still think this club is capable of winning trophies with the players we've got," added Beckham, who, despite lamenting Madrid's failure to score a potentially match-changing opening goal, admitted that Barcelona were simply "better than us".

That superiority shows all the signs of lasting well beyond one Camp Nou night.

"Barcelona are playing very good football and have some of the best players in the world - and a real togetherness," Beckham said, hinting at what is missing with Madrid before insisting: "I still think we can compete with them. The league is not over yet."

Beckham's own form has also sparked debate. Replaced by Michael Owen after 54 minutes, he had struggled physically and was completely overrun by Deco and Xavi Hernandez. England's captain is again under scrutiny.

He admitted his fitness "is not what it used to be," but insisted: "It doesn't worry me that people say I am here to sell shirts. I don't believe I am.

"I believe that if I am playing well I will get in the team. And if I'm not, then it doesn't matter how many shirts I sell, I won't get in the team."

Guardian Service