Lionel Messi believes Real Madrid will remain a constant threat to Barcelona in the Primera Liga title race.
With Cristiano Ronaldo currently proving why he is so highly rated and with Manuel Pellegrini's side now within two points of their Catalan rivals, Barca know they have a fight on their hands.
Argentine playmaker Messi admits Pep Guardiola's men have allowed their form to dip of late, while Real have remained constant and appear set to push them all the way in the pursuit of the championship crown.
"I do see Real Madrid are very strong and that Cristiano Ronaldo is looking great, as he proved with a glorious free-kick," he said.
"I am sure that they will be fighting for trophies at the end of the season."
Former Camp Nou favourite Johan Cruyff criticised Barca's performance against Racing Santander at the weekend and Messi agrees the team were not at their best, despite running out convincing 4-0 winners.
"We may not have played like we normally do, but the important thing is that we won because that was the objective," he continued.
"There will be days when things do not go that well, like against Racing and Atletico. We cannot drive ourselves crazy simply because of one or two bad games though."
Ronaldo aims for double gloryThompson, McKenzie settling in with RSL
