Valverde sends message to Madrid fans after Copa del Rey defeat

Real Madrid's woeful season has taken another toll after Los Blancos were defeated in the Copa del Rey final by bitter rivals Barcelona on Saturday in Seville - their third loss in a 'Clasico' this season.

Having missed out on the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, and now the Spanish Cup, the Merengues' hopes in salvaging their campaign lie with La Liga, where they trail by four points behind Barca.

Despite their struggles, midfielder Federico Valverde sent out a message of hope to Real Madrid fans via his social media platforms, promising that the club will be back to their best.

"It happened again. And it will surely happen again many more times, because it is the road we are building and it is normal that one falls after so many miles," the 27-year-old Uruguay international wrote on Instagram.

"It makes me sad, it makes me angry, impotent. I feel like I failed you. It's been a difficult year, physically and mentally very tough, but one day I was clear: 'until my legs don't give up anymore'.

"This club doesn't deserve less. We'll be back, we'll continue, and there I'll be leaving everything for the respect Madrid deserves, its people and everything that involves playing in the most winning team in history. Thank you."