Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has dismissed Barcelona's recent dominance as a "passing fad" and predicted Jose Mourinho will inspire a new period of supremacy at the Bernabeu.

Barça have claimed the last two Primera Division crowns and the 2009 UEFA Champions League with a fluid passing style which has won them a new army of admirers. However, Casillas is adamant Mourinho's more pragmatic approach will pay dividends in the long term.

He told Marca: "We are able to stand up to them. We compare favourably with them and we are only a couple of months, perhaps a season away from them. This is the best Barça in history and they have been in fashion but this is just a passing fad.

"Mourinho is a very important addition for us. He is the ideal coach for his character and the way he expresses himself to the players. I think he will succeed at Real Madrid."

Madrid have not won a domestic trophy for two years but have started the new La Liga season strongly. They currently lie in fourth position, two points behind leaders Valencia and a point ahead of Barça.