Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso: Supercopa performances showed we are at Barcelona's level

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has said he believes his side is on par with Barcelona.

"In the two Supercopa matches, it was seen we were at Barcelona's level," he told Radio Marca.

The two clubs locked horns in the Spanish Supercopa in the summer, with Barca coming out on top 5-4 on aggregate after two closely-contested games.

Despite falling short against their Catalan arch-rivals, Madrid showed clear signs of improvement when compared to last season, and Xabi Alonso believes his team has closed the gap on the Camp Nou outfit.

The 29-year-old midfielder noted he is happy that Catalan defender Carles Puyol has returned to Spain's set-up after a knee injured saw him miss several months of action.

"Luckily for us, Puyol has returned to national team," he added. "He went through a hard moment because of the wear and tear football has caused in him. It is a big joy he is here with us."