Luis Fabiano's brilliant free-kick earned Sevilla a deserved maximum points haul against Atletico, who went into the game having won their last three home matches 4-0.

After a stunning start to the season, with three wins in four games, many in Spain were predicting Los Rojiblancos were set to challenge for the Primera Liga title this season.

Perea insists that should not change off the back of one defeat.

"We lost a game and that's it. There's no need to be melodramatic," he told Spanish newspaper AS.

"It hurts to lose at home, and against a direct rival, but things continue and now we have to think about the game with Marseille (in the Champions League)."

Clear-cut goalscoring opportunities were at a premium between the two teams, especially after the visitors took the lead after 20 minutes, but Perea believes it was not for a want of trying.

"We tried any way we could, but there was nothing clear," he said. "The team always tried to go forward, but Sevilla defended well."

Perea's comments were echoed by his coach Javier Aguirre, who believes his team merited a point for their display.

"They (Sevilla) scored their goal and then refused to attack," he said.

"We tried to score any way we could, sometimes a little hastily, but I have nothing to reproach my players for. It wasn't to be.

"Three days ago in Getafe (where Atletico won 2-1) I said a draw would have been the fairest result and I think the same today."

Aguirre also insisted the defeat had nothing to do with a lack of strength in depth, despite key players Maniche, John Heitinga and Simao Sabrosa all being absent.

"People will say the squad is small, but they've said that before," he said.

"The team gave their all. We played the ball and created chances. But there's nothing else to do now other than think about the game on Wednesday, for which we hope to have Heitinga and Maniche back.

"This is the squad we've got and I'm proud of it."