Ramos: I like it when Barcelona struggle

After a four games without a win in La Liga, Barcelona have thrown away their lead at the top of the table, with Atletico now level on points with them, and Real Madrid just a further point behind. They have also been knocked out of the Champions League by Diego Simeone's men, ruling out the possibility of a successive treble.

Real Madrid's captain, Sergio Ramos, admits he has taken pleasure from Barcelona's recent struggles, and believes that his side's 2-1 victory against them was what kick-started this poor run of form.

"Of course I enjoy things going badly at Barcelona. I like it because it benefits us," Ramos toldCOPE .

"I do not wish bad things on anyone, though. I enjoy their struggles for sporting reasons. Everything that is bad for Barcelona is good for Real Madrid.

"Us beating them at Camp Nou was a big blow for them. A Clasico is always about more than just three points. It is the game of the season. It was tough for them mentally.

"They could have decided La Liga, but we reduced the gap instead. Of course, that leads to doubts.

"The league was theirs to lose. They have everything in their own hands, so you can say they lost the title if they don't win it."