Madrid response delights Karanka

The Spanish champion has taken only one point from its opening two league games and trailed 3-2 from the first leg of the cup tie last week, but stormed into an early two-goal lead thanks to goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The host then seemed in complete control when Adriano was sent off before the half-hour mark, but Barca recovered a foothold in the game through Lionel Messi's stunning free-kick just before half-time and even had chances to win the tie late on.

Karanka believes Real should have put the game to bed in a devastating opening spell.

"Everyone has seen the response of the team, from the start we went for the game," he said.

"We had a lot of chances and the result could have been very different if we had scored all of our chances in the first half.

"In the second half we could have done a little more but the most important thing is the title and we are very satisfied. Now we have to continue with this kind of attitude."

Real captain Iker Casillas also thought his side's first victory over Barcelona at home in four years was deserved and had particular praise for his opposite number, Victor Valdes, for keeping the score down.

"The first half belonged to us and generally the whole game did," Casillas said.

"Today Valdes had a 10 out of 10 game and at the end we had to suffer a bit more. I think the title was deserved, they didn't have many attacks but they were dangerous when they did.

"We came in on a bad run and the fans were doubting us a bit, but there are days when you have good luck and days when you have bad."

Barca boss Tito Vilanova was also happy with his team's reaction after going 2-0 down and being reduced to 10 men.

"In the second half where we attacked with 10 players until the end is definitely one of the proudest days I have had with these players in four years," he said.

"I wouldn't say we started badly. Madrid weren't running over us, they played two balls in behind that surprised us, although it is true that Higuain already had another chance.

"Madrid took their chances but I want to take the positives."