“It is possible that we could catch them,” Owen told www.realmadrid.com. “It is going to be difficult, but they still have to come to our stadium and we have not yet reached halfway in the season.

“The problem is that we are making it difficult for ourselves at the moment.

“But Real Madrid must be challenging for trophies each season. The Champions League is the most important but we must also try and catch Barcelona.”

The former Liverpool star made a slow start after arriving in the Spanish capital but insists he is now settled on the field as well as off it.

“I feel happy,” added Owen. “It was difficult in the beginning to come to another country, mainly due to the fact that I had to live in a hotel.

“But since I have moved into my own house everything seems to have fixed into place, I have even begun to play more.

“At first I think people were questioning my ability, but now I have scored seven goals in eight matches and I feel I have adapted to life over here much more.

“I feel that I am playing well and that I am taking my chances when they give me the opportunity.”