MADRID STILL DANGEROUS WITHOUT BALE - LUIS ENRIQUE

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has stated Real Madrid are still as dangerous as ever even without injured Gareth Bale.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's El Classico, Enrique said even in the absence of Bale who is sidelined until next year Madrid still boast of players worthy of his quality and cannot be weakened.

"Bale's an important player for his team," Luis
Enrique said at his prematch news conference.

"He performs at a great level and is recognised
accordingly.

"But I won't speak about injuries because it
happens to all of us throughout the season.

"It's logical, given the calendar, that in football
there are injuries -- and Madrid still have world class players in attack and all over the pitch."

Real Madrid won at the Camp Nou at the end of last season and Luis Enrique said:

"We're going to see the same Madrid that we've seen under Zidane.

"They are a well organised team defensively, a
team that doesn't need the ball to compete
because their dangers are in their transitions
and set plays.

"They have no problem leaving the ball to the
opposition. They take advantage of dead balls,
have few touches and are effective with
decisive players in final third."