The Spain boss feels La Liga has much more to offer than just Barca and Madrid, but says they are the two favourites to win the Champions League

Vicente del Bosque has laughed off suggestions that Spanish football is declining, and believes Real Madrid and Barcelona are the teams to beat in the Champions League.

The Spanish league is often described as a two-horse race between Madrid and Barca, and criticised for its lack of competitions.

However, Del Bosque has stressed that La Liga has more to offer than just the two traditional powerhouses, and feels things are looking good for the country’s football.

“Spanish football is not in decline. Players like [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo do not score this much because the opposition is poor,” the Spain coach told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Four out of the remaining 16 teams in the Champions League are from Spain. The final of last year’s Europa League was a match between two Spanish teams. And Atletico are on the rise again.

“Barcelona and Madrid are winning most of their games, but they are extraordinary teams. They are the favourites to win the Champions League for me.”

Barcelona will have to deal with AC Milan in the round of 16, while Real Madrid meet Manchester United.