Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has said that Real Madrid are a stronger outfit this season than last, speaking ahead of tonight's El Clasico.

Since the former Catalan midfielder took over at the Nou Camp they have exercised their control in Spain's biggest game, losing only one of 11 meetings in all competitions, winning seven of those.

However, Guardiola thinks this evening's meeting could be his toughest yet against the side from the capital.

"They are stronger than they were last year," he said. "They know each other better, they have spent more time together and know what their coach demands of them.

"Above all we have to defend well, be quick with the transitions and pay attention to factors like the circulation of the ball. It will not be easy because they have a very intense game."

Jose Mourinho's Madrid have started La Liga in superb form and are currently three points clear of Barca at the top, with a game in-hand.

"We have more at stake, and whoever is behind in the standings always feels a little more pressure," 40-year-old Guardiola added.

Tonight's game at the Bernabeu kicks off at 9pm GMT.