Barcelona No1 Valdes: Real Madrid not in crisis

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has dismissed claims Real Madrid are in crisis.

Madrid are just a point behind leaders Barca in La Liga, while they are also joint-top of Group C in the Champions League with AC Milan.

With all that in mind, Valdes said of Madrid's plight: "You cannot talk of crisis at this stage. It's true they had a slip-up against Alcorcon, but they have a good team who know how to win matches. Maybe they need time to adapt."

Barca may not be doing as well as they were last season results-wise, but Valdes believes his side are actually performing better.

"Barca are playing better than last year, although our opponents know a little more about us. We've gained experience. We are on the right track," he told Catalan radio station RAC1.

Valdes also spoke about the death of his former Barca team-mate Robert Enke, the Germany goalkeeper who this week committed suicide at the age of 32.

Enke was at Barca during the 2002/03 season, and the long-serving Valdes said: "It's very tragic news that has affected us. I remember him fondly. He was shy and a good team-mate."