Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has expressed his belief that recent criticism of his side has been a little over the top.

Los Blancos have only won one of their last four games in all competitions, but they are just one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and have already booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Carvajal has conceded that it has been a difficult month, but has called for perspective at an important stage of the season.

"It hasn't been a good month for us; that's the reality," Inside Spanish Football quotes Carvajal as saying. "There's still a lot left to be played but any team would love to be in our situation at the moment.

"We're in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, whereas a lot of teams aren't and it depends on us to win La Liga. That's keeping us level headed."

Real Madrid travel to Barcelona in the league on Sunday.