Real Madrid legend Raul disappointed they didn't reach Copa del Rey final... but has kind words for Barcelona

Real Madrid legend Raul has lamented his former club's failure to reach the Copa del Rey final - adding that the disappointment is worse because fierce rivals Barcelona have made it.

The Bernabeu side crashed out in the quarter-finals to Celta Vigo, while Barcelona overcame Atletico Madrid this week to get to a third successive final, where they will play Alaves on May 27.

But Raul, who scored 323 goals in 741 appearances for Real, believes they can still win La Liga and retain the Champions League.

He told Fox Sports Mexico: "Whenever you get knocked out of a competition - like what has happened to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, it's always a disappointment and even more so when your biggest rivals reach the final."

"But we are entering a vital stage of the season with La Liga and the Champions League. That's not to say that the Copa isn't important, but winning either of the other two competitions has more significance, and it changes the way a season is viewed - it adds extra value."

Real are strongly placed in La Liga, sitting a point clear of Barcelona with two games in hand. They also take on Napoli later this month in the last-16 of the Champions League.

Despite their bitter rivalry, Raul had some kind words for Barcelona, saying: 'Having Leo Messi and Barcelona is good for La Liga - it's a real delight. I don't think Madrid would be Madrid without Barcelona and vice versa.'

Real are next in action when they travel to Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday evening.