"We have made things too easy for them. In the first 25 minutes I didn't recognise my team," he said.
"We didn't have the perseverence that we've had in other games. We saw Real Madrid win easily.
"My intention was that we would have much more presence on the pitch. We need to demand more and work hard because the team hasn't been at the level we expected."
The win moved Madrid back to within four points of city rivals Atletico and 13 off Barcelona, with the top two set to take on Rayo Vallecano and Getafe respectively on Sunday.
Malaga maintained their place in fourth after they came from behind to beat Levante 2-1 thanks to two goals from Isco.
Valencia, who have a Champions League date against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, remain just two points adrift of the Andalusians as Nelson Valdez's stoppage time header handed them a 1-0 away win at Celta Vigo.
Mallorca began life under Gregorio Manzano with a 1-1 draw against Osasuna but Deportivo La Coruna lost 3-0 at home to Granada to remain bottom. (AFP) PM
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