Matic knows Manchester United will need to win at places like Stoke if they want to become Premier League champions for the first time since 2013.
Jose Mourinho's side started their Premier League campaign with three comprehensive victories but on their visit to the bet365 Stadium they were unable to pick up the three points and had to settle for a 2-2 draw and a solitary point.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put Mark Hughes' side ahead before a Paul Pogba header went in off Marcus Rashford just before half-time.
Romelu Lukaku carried on his good form to put the visitors ahead after the break but Choupo-Moting's second goal earned Stoke a commendable draw, a result which frustrated Matic, who won the title with Chelsea last season.
"It was a tough game," the defensive midfielder told MUTV.
"To be honest, it's always a tough game when you come to this stadium. Stoke are a good team, so it was difficult, but we managed to get a point.
"If we want to be champions, we have to win games like this because in these games, if you win, you are champion.
"We have to know against teams like this you have to have a little bit more, you have to be concentrated and of course we're not happy with a point.
"It's always important if you can come from behind, and I think we showed spirit. We had the lead in the second half but they scored a goal from the corner kick. We didn't take some chances at the other end, so we could have won the game.
"It's always important to be at the top of the table if you can. I'm happy that we are still there, and we'll continue to work hard to stay there until the end of the season."