Former Real Madrid head coach Fabio Capello believes the new LaLiga champions won the league title "on their own merits".
Capello, who won the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan in the 1993/94 season, is seemingly of the opinion that FC Barcelona's perceived dominance has ended due to their internal issues, and that Los Blancos have taken full advantage.
"They (Real Madrid) played the best football in the division, scored goals and didn't concede," the 74-year-old told Spanish publication Marca.
"(Real) Madrid have ended Barcelona's monopoly and have taken advantage of their slump. But we have to be clear – Madrid won the title on their own merits, not because of others' mistakes.
"Winning a league title is difficult and he (Zinedine Zidane) has done it. 10 wins and a draw (since Spanish top-flight football resumed in June) is very impressive," the Italian added.
The former England head coach added that while the European giants will have gained much confidence from winning silverware, the second leg of their round of 16 UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City – scheduled to be played on Friday, 7 August – will not be easy, especially as they need to overcome a 2-1 deficit.
"It's their competition, and Madrid are Madrid," he continued.
"They have a complicated task, having to score two goals without conceding against (Manchester) City, and Ramos is missing.
"It's difficult, but if anyone can do it, it's them."
