Julio Baptista has stated that Real Madrid have to return to how they were playing in the first half of the season if they are to fend off the challenge from Barcelona.

The Brazilian midfielder was affected by the defeat at home by Getafe on Sunday, but believes that it is a matter of raising their game and not a lack confidence in the team.

“It is never good because when you have lost all the bad things come out,” Baptista said.

“Each player must look at what they have done badly and look forward to try and do things like we did in the past.

“We are suffering defensively and even with the ball we are not as calm as we used to be, we are more static now.

“But confidence has not been lost, only matches. People thought that we were going to win the league this month and that is impossible.

“We still rely on ourselves, but we can no longer afford to make any errors.”

Barcelona moved to within two points as their return to form continued with their 14th unbeaten chalked up with a win against Levante.

“It concerns us, but I have always said that our biggest mistake would be to worry about Barcelona,” he continued.

“What they should not matter as they are still behind us. They still have to come to our place and that is when it can all be decided.”

Finally, Baptista admitted that not staying focussed when Getafe scored at the weekend was not the only reason that Madrid lost.

“It was a lapse of attention. We thought that we had scored and we were celebrating and only two stayed back. But we did other things badly too and have to improve,” he added.

“Anyone that says that Madrid will not win anything are mistaken.”