It was top against bottom but lowly Espanyol upset the odds to record their first league win at the Nou Camp in 26 years with Ivan De la Pena's second-half brace securing a 2-1 victory over 10-man Barca.

The heartache of losing to their local rivals was secondary to the bigger picture though, with Barca's chief concern being the decreasing gap between them and second-placed Real Madrid in La Liga.

That difference stood at 12 points just over a week ago but is now down to seven following last night's results, which also saw Real Madrid record a 6-1 thrashing of Real Betis - the side that held Barca to a draw last weekend.

The nerves might be starting to jangle at Barca, but Guardiola is confident his side's blip is only temporary.

"The players are hurt and sad, (but) we will lift ourselves and continue forward - I have no doubt about that," Guardiola said.

"Nobody has said this is easy, but we are still in a good position. We've lost a game but we are still a good distance in front.

"It takes a lot to win a league. We will have to win many games and fight until the end. We've suffered a defeat and now we need to lift ourselves."

Barca president Joan Laporta added on his club's website: "We have to move forward.

"It was a result that could have happened and unfortunately it did. We have to forget this game quickly and look at everything we have been doing this season.

"From now on we need to think about the next game which we will play against Lyon in the Champions League (on Tuesday).

"It's a different competition and it will be very difficult as we are up against the best team in France."