Argentina coach Diego Maradona has backed former club FC Barcelona to hold off the challenge of big-spending Real Madrid this season, stating that the injury currently sidelining Cristiano Ronaldo could seriously hamper the capital club's title bid.

Madrid splashed out around 250m Euros on new talent this summer to wrest the initiative back off arch-rivals Barça both domestically and in Europe, but Maradona still believes Pep Guardiola's side hold the upper hand.

Barcelona are only a point ahead over Madrid at the top of the Primera Division standings after ten matches, but Manuel Pellegrini's men have stumbled of late and on Tuesday were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by third tier Alcorcon after losing 4-1 on aggregate.

Asked if he thought that Madrid could fight Barcelona for their league and UEFA Champions League titles, Maradona's verdict was: "Honestly, no. I say what I feel, and Barcelona are a team in which everybody knows what they have to do. They play from memory and the Real Madrid of the Copa del Rey left me with many doubts."

"The players didn't really know what to do on the pitch. I don't want this to be interpreted as a sharp criticism or as advice to anyone. I only say what I see and talk strictly about football."

I think Cristiano did incredible things at Manchester United and deserves all my respect, but I honestly think Leo is still on the rise in his career and can be more decisive in games.
Deigo Maradona compares Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Maradona, who is in Madrid for Argentina's friendly with Spain on Saturday 14 November, also feels that the injury to Ronaldo is a significant blow for Los Blancos.

Ronaldo has missed Madrid's last nine competitive matches due to an ankle injury, with the Spanish giants winning just four times in his absence. Prior to that injury, Ronaldo had scored nine goals in the opening seven games of the season, all of which Madrid won.

"I wish Pellegrini the best, but I think Guardiola can sleep calmly. They have already made their team and to top it all they have a magnificent squad. They also have (Lionel) Messi," added Maradona, who played for the Catalan giants between 1982-84.

"As well as that, Madrid have an injured Cristiano. This is a very big advantage for Barça. I also think Barça right now are the best team in the world without doubt."

Ronaldo also has to sit out Portugal's FIFA World Cup™ play-off double-header against Bosnia-Herzegovina over the coming days, but it could be that the £80million man will be available again for Madrid before the end of November.

The nine-times European champions are back in action against Racing Santander next weekend, before hosting FC Zurich in the Champions League a few days later.

Madrid then finish the month with 'El Clásico' against Barça at the Nou Camp - a match which could pit superstars Ronaldo and Messi against each other again.

Asked who he thought was the best between the two players, Maradona concluded: "I would want both of them in my team, without doubt. I think Cristiano did incredible things at Manchester United and deserves all my respect, but I honestly think Leo is still on the rise in his career and can be more decisive in games. He has the ball tied to his foot."