"The first half was very even, but we completely dominated the second," he told Spanish paper Marca.

"After the break we passed the ball well and showed good defensive organization, but we lacked the goal. We had a lot of chances.

"Sporting are a very organized team who are dangerous on the counter."

Commenting on his decision to take off Ezequiel Garay and Xabi Alonso, Pellegrini said: "Garay and Xabi Alonso's injuries were not serious, and they were taken off as a precaution."

Real are keeping pace on top with Barcelona who have one more game in hand.

Pellegrini's men are facing city rivals Getafe at the Bernabeu in their upcoming Liga match.