Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says it is too early to judge his side alongside Barcelona, arguing that comparisons between the two clubs are unfair.
Barcelona have received considerable praise while Real Madrid have faced harsher criticism, but Mourinho said that contrast did not concern him.
“If one week ago someone believed we were heading for a heavy defeat, they probably still hold that opinion,” Mourinho said at a news conference.
“People speaking positively about Barcelona does not affect me in any way. To be honest, they deserve the praise because they are doing many good things.”
Mourinho said Real Madrid should not be viewed as a fully developed team, having worked together for only three months.
“We are seen as something ‘fully formed’, but we are still a long way from that,” he said. “We have only been working for three months, while the pre-season took place in circumstances where the players arrived gradually.
“So we are still a long way from being a ‘finished product’. We are at an early stage, when the manager is getting to know the players, analysing the situation and deciding on the direction ahead. The players, in turn, are getting to know the manager.
“To compare us with a team that has been playing together for many years is unfair.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet on 25 October, with kick-off scheduled for 23:00 Moscow time.