There were few who expected Primera Division struglers Espanyol to arrive at the Camp Nou and condemn Barcelona to their first domestic defeat since the opening day of the season.

But a double from Blaugrana old boy Ivan de La Pena in the second half following a controversial red card for Seydou Keita helped their city rivals to a famous 2-1 win.

With Real Madrid convincingly seeing off Real Betis simultaneously Barcelona's lead at the top of the table has been cut to seven points, and for the first time this season questions are being asked of Pep Guardiola's side.

However stalwart Carlos Puyol has admitted that although the loss was a severe blow, he is supremely confident that the league leaders can get their season back on track by returning to winning ways as soon as possible.

Speaking to Marca, he said, "I do not want to speak of Real Madrid because I only know about Barcelona. We are confident and eager to work. We have no doubts and we know what is required of us to continue to do well."

Puyol also mentioned that he felt Espanyol's spoiling tactics contributed to his side being unable to find their rhythm in the final third of the pitch.

Mauricio Pochettino's strugglers chose to waste time and feign injury on a number of occasions in order to run down the clock, and Puyol commented, "The only team trying to play football was Barcelona. We were not trying to destroy or stop the game.

"The team that was hurt yesterday was the team that had tried to come out and play."

Barcelona must now switch their focus to Champions League duties, with Lyon awating them in the super sixteen stage in midweek, and Puyol admitted that it was "crucial to score away" and secure a positive result to take back to the Camp Nou.