Carlo Ancelotti responded to comments from José Mourinho questioning Real Madrid's tactics in their loss last week to Barcelona.
Mourinho had said: "I expected to see Madrid higher up the pitch because Barcelona have lost a lot more points this season than in their last three campaigns."
Real was out of the title race in January a season ago under Mourinho.
"It’s his opinion, but I believe Madrid are fighting for the title and that is something they were not able to do last season," said Ancelotti.