Roberto Carlos tips Barca to hit back

Roberto Carlos has laughed off suggestions Barcelona’s era of dominance is over and believes they remain the best team in the world.

Barca were beaten 2-0 by AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, and have also been eliminated from the Copa del Rey and defeated in La Liga by arch-rivals Real Madrid over the past few weeks.

But former Real man Carlos told AS: “Barcelona are still the best team in Europe. Despite the absence of their head coach, they remain a very strong team,” he said, referring to Tito Vilanova’s treatment for cancer.

“You cannot dismiss them after just three losses.

“I believe that they can turn things around against Milan. The problem with Barcelona is that they have been playing together for a long time and suffer from mental fatigue.

“Nevertheless, they remain a force to be reckoned with and I hope that they will recover.”

The former Brazil international also had his say on Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Manchester United on Tuesday, and expects a tight encounter at Old Trafford.

“Madrid can put in a good performance as they are high on confidence,” he said.

“It will be very difficult as it’s an away game, but they can make it happen.

“It will be an even tougher game than the two matches versus Barcelona. United are very well organised and remain focused for the full 90 minutes. Manchester have a dangerous team.”

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.