Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-25498052-20141004162612/@comment-142748-20141104000908

Notice how Kishimoto didn't emphasize any disadvantage that Sasuke had. Sasuke was fresh (relatively speaking), attacking with the intent to kill, and even got a power up just to fight Naruto's exhausted level. Kishi emphasized Naruto's disadvantages and in the end, he made it Naruto beating Sasuke flat out (staying conscious while Sasuke didn't after the final clash) and Sasuke admitting he lost. It wasn't losing to 'ideals', Sasuke flat out lost the battle.

Any interpretation other than this shows that you're reading the manga with Sasuke's Sharingan colored glasses.