Isco: 'Real Madrid must prove they are great'

Midfielder Isco has backed Real Madrid to overcome their poor run of form in order to pose a challenge to La Liga leaders Barcelona.

On Sunday afternoon, Girona stunned the defending champions by registering a 2-1 win at Estadi Montilivi, a result which leaves Real eight points off the pace in Spain's top flight.

However, Isco has insisted that now is the time for Real to prove that they are "great", rather than showing any acceptance that they face an uphill task to retain the league crown.

The 25-year-old told beIN SPORTS: "Nobody should say Real Madrid are dead because we have shown that we always come back.

"When things are going well it is very easy to say we are a great team, now we have to really prove it. It is clear that we cannot continue like this."

Isco has arguably been Real's top performer in Spain this season, contributing three goals and three assists in 10 appearances.