Carlo Ancelotti envisions a three-horse race between Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid once again for La Liga title.
In the previous two years when Ancelotti coached Real, Atletico (2014) and then Barcelona (2015) beat Los Blancos to the title.
Real have not won the league since the 2011-12 campaign when Jose Mourinho was the coach and dismissed Ancelotti at the end of last season before appointing Rafa Benitez as their new manager.
"The candidates to win the league title are Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico," the 56-year-old Ancelotti told Marca. "They have competed for the title for the last three years and it will continue to be like this.
"Barca's start has been irregular, but the reality is that they have taken six points after two games played and achieved this without (Lionel) Messi's goals, something unusual and which has surprised many."
Messi scored 43 league goals last season to finish second behind Real's Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga's goalscoring charts.
Ronaldo, who struck 48 and scored a total of 61 in all competitions for Los Blancos in the 2014-15 campaign, has not found the back of the net for Real this season.
"Spain is very lucky to be able to enjoy Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi," Ancelotti said. "With me in charge, Ronaldo scored 61 goals last season.
"An incredible number, one that only one of the best players in the history of the game can reach.
"As for Leo (Messi), he will be again one of the best.
"I have no doubt because he has an incredible quality."
On Saturday, defending La Liga champions Barcelona travel to the Vicente Calderon Stadium to face Atletico while Real Madrid play away to Espanyol.
Source: PA
