Former Valencia midfielder Kily Gonzalez has urged his former side that it is now time to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title.

The Argentine won La Liga twice during his time at the club and insists that now is best time to rival the Spanish giants.

Valencia come up against Barcelona on Sunday, with the home side trailing Luis Enrique's team by four points in fourth place.

"It makes me sad to see Valencia 20 points behind Barca, Atletico [Madrid], Real Madrid," the 40-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"With Barca it is a key game, there you will realise if they are prepared to face them. Before, they went to the Camp Nou and the Bernabeu and took it for granted that we would lose. The mentality is changing.

"Valencia has players with experience and hunger for glory, it is time to compete on equal terms with Barca and Madrid."

Valencia has won just two of their last five games but a victory at the Mestalla will see them move within a point of second-placed Barcelona.