Gerona head coach Michael Sanchez offered a firm assessment of his team 4-0 The league loss to Real Madrid.
The Catalans arrived in Madrid looking to stay in the title race, but the defeat in the Spanish capital was a major blow.
Real Madrid have now opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table with Girona playing catch-up in the countryside.
However, with some key absences due to suspension, and Michel watching from the stands, they were blown away at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Back-to-back league losses to Real Madrid are the only league games Girona have slipped up in and Michel admitted they are on two different levels.
“We have not been at the level required to play against Real Madrid and when they are at their maximum … we are not there,” according to reports from The sports world.
“We need to have humility and know where we are. We came to compete and fight, face to face against a great team.
“We could have stopped them sitting at the bottom, but that's not what I do, they are responsible for the defeat.”
Girona have no commitments in Europe or in the Copa del Rey this season and they will continue to fight for the title and a first qualification place in the Champions League.
Next up for Michel is a trip to Athletic Club on February 19 where he will serve the last game of his line ban.
