Recently sacked FC Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde feels Real Madrid are favourites to secure the LaLiga title this season.
Valverde led the Catalan giants to back-to-back league titles in his first two seasons with the club, before parting ways with the club last month.
Zinedine Zidane's charges currently sit three points clear of Barcelona at the top Spanish top flight standings after 23 matches.
Los Blancos have not lifed the league title 2016/2017 season under Zidane, but Valverde insists his former rivals look the part.
When asked by Cadena Cope who were favourites, he replied, "Madrid are strong and very focused on the league title."
At the time of his departure at Barcelona, the side were top of the log and still in the Copa del Rey but he is not looking back on his exit.
"I have tried to distance from everything that has happened, and this month the only match I have watched is Athletic Club against Barcelona."
Barcelona host high-flying Getafe on Saturday while Real welcome Celta Vigo to the Santiago Bernabeu.
