Sami Khedira has admitted that it will be difficult for Real Madrid to close the gap on Barcelona in La Liga.
After a disappointing start to the season, Madrid are eight points behind their fierce rivals but Khedira is trying to remain optimistic about the team's chances of defending their title.
The German midfielder told Marca: "Of course, it is difficult with a team as strong as Barcelona and with the difference in points between us and them.
"We do not have our destiny in our own hands and it is not a good feeling to have to wait for them to falter.
"But we will give it our best. If we can win our games and show some consistency in doing so then I am sure that something good will happen."
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his anger towards Iker Casillas for the way the goalkeeper conducted himself at the end of Saturday's El Clasico.