Emilio Butragueno believes that Real Madrid can recover from their setback against Malaga, and has backed the team to “fight for every game”.

An own goal from Sergio Sanchez and a Karim Benzema strike were not enough for Los Merengues, as two goals from Roque Santa Cruz and one from Isco sealed a 3-2 win for Los Boquerones. However, despite the fact Real Madrid now trail Barcelona by 16 points, Butragueno still remains optimistic.

“We are unexpectedly very far away [from the top of the table] but that does not mean the team is not going to fight every game,” the 49-year-old Spaniard told Realmadrid.com.

“We are Real Madrid and we have to show what we are. Every time the team hits the field they are required to win.”

Analysing the game against Malaga, the Real Madrid director felt his side should have taken more from the match based on their performance.

“The first half was remarkable and the team should have gone to the dressing room 2-0 up, but the second half was very good,” he stated.

“It’s a step back we did not expect. You have to lift your head and prepare the remainder of the season. Now they go on vacation and then we will have to think about next year.”

Butragueno, who scored 123 times for Los Blancos, also defended manager Jose Mourinho, who decided to drop Iker Casillas for Saturday’s game.

“It is a technical decision,” he added.

“It is the coach’s decision and we respect that.”