Real Madrid defender Pepe believes his side have proved they are title contenders despite falling five points behind rivals Barcelona.

Sunday's 1-0 defeat at the Nou Camp gave Barca the upper hand in the Primera Division, although Real do have a game in hand.

And Pepe believes the close nature of 'El Clasico' augurs well for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"It was a very even match," Pepe said ahead of Saturday's home game with Almeria.

"We know we played well, but no-one likes to lose, especially against their arch rival.

"We must remain focused and continue playing with the same intensity as in the Nou Camp.

"We are two different teams with two different mindsets. We are both talented, but we proved that we can compete for the league title."

Barcelona beat bottom side Xerez last night in a game brought forward due to the Catalans being on Club World Cup duty next weekend, but Pepe added on www.realmadrid.com: "They won, but they will still feel the heat if we win.

"We will both lose over the course of the season but we must stay strong both physically and psychologically."

Cristiano Ronaldo played for 66 minutes on Sunday following his return from injury but Kaka is now having to undertake special exercises to deal with a sports hernia.

"They are both great players," Pepe added. "Cristiano was out of service for two months and now Kaka is hurt.

"All that matters is that he recovers and is ready to give 100% when he returns.

"Cristiano is an important player. He brings a lot of talent to the table, even though we try to implement a certain style of play."

Real kick off two hours before Barcelona on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's side face a tough game away to fifth-placed Deportivo la Coruna.

Third-placed Sevilla are at home to Real Valladolid on Saturday while fourth-placed Valencia will need to be at their best to take all three points from Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid dragged themselves out of the relegation places with only their second win of the season last weekend and have a good chance to climb further away from trouble at Xerez on Saturday.

In Sunday's other games, Malaga will try to claim only their second home win of the season, and second in total, against Osasuna.

The other team in the bottom three, Racing Santander, travel to Espanyol looking to continue their relatively impressive form on the road.

Racing have managed only one draw in six games at home but have picked up a win and three draws away.

Elsewhere, Mallorca look to maintain their 100% home record against Real Zaragoza, the islanders having won six straight matches at Son Moix, scoring 16 goals and conceding only two.

Another home win looks on the cards with Zaragoza yet to triumph on their travels this season.

Tenerife are at home to Sporting Gijon while Getafe travel to take on Villarreal.