Gerard Pique says Barcelona would have signed up for defeat against Deportivo La Coruna if it came with the midweek comeback against Paris Saint-Germain included.
Barca made headlines around the world on Wednesday when they overturned a four-goal deficit against PSG to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, scoring three goals in the final seven minutes on their way to a 6-1 win.
However, four days later, they were bumped back down to earth on Sunday as they were beaten 2-1 to Deportivo in La Liga as they suffered a European hangover.
"Everyone connected to Barcelona would have signed up to comeback against PSG and lose to Deportivo," Pique told reporters after the shock defeat in the rain at Riazor.
"That is sport. We're not machines. After Wednesday's effort it made it difficult to compete. We have to congratulate Deportivo, they're deserved winners."
However, the Catalan defender was keen not to be seen to be using the heroics against PSG as an excuse for dropped points in the league.
"[Depor] also played in midweek [a 1-1 draw with Real Betis]," he pointed out.
"It's not an excuse. The calendar is tough for everyone. Every game demands a huge effort. It's a step back, but in the last few months we've seen that all teams can drop points.
"We dominated at the beginning and had control. Their goal took its toll on us. The equaliser was a morale boost, but their second goal was too much. Depor were really good."
Goals from Joselu and Alex Bergantinos sandwiched a Luis Suarez effort as Barca's 19-game unbeaten run was ended, striking a blow to their title hopes in the process.
In addition, Zinedine Zidane's side still have a game in hand over Luis Enrique's side -- away against Celta Vigo at a date yet to be decided due to both sides' progress in European competitions.
"We will keep fighting until the end," Pique guaranteed when it was suggested Madrid had taken a firm grip in the battle to win the league.
"There's still a lot of La Liga to go and we still have a chance to win it."