Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged Real Madrid not to miss the chance to move closer to the La Liga title with an El Clasico victory over arch-rivals Barcelona.
both teams meet at the Bernabeu on Sunday with leaders Real Madrid 8 points clear of second-placed Barca and aware of how significant a win could be with just seven games of the season remaining.
Carlo Ancelotti told a press conference: “If we can win this, we will be within touching distance of La Liga.
“We are playing against a highly competitive opposition who have played brilliantly in recent games. It will be a hard-fought and close Clasico, as always.
“It’s a great opportunity to move closer to the La Liga title, but we know how difficult it will be because Barca still have a lot to play for.”
Los Blancos are on a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions, culminating in a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Manchester City on Wednesday night to book their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
They have lost just once in the league all season – in September – and even the highly experienced Italian is excited by the prospect of what lies ahead.
He said: “We are doing a fantastic job. The cake is done, out of the oven, and all we have to do now is ice it this month. It’s a crucial month and we’re heading into it in a great position.”
Carlo Ancelotti has an almost full squad of players to choose from, with only defender David Alaba currently absent from training.
Barca will run into Madrid still licking their wounds after Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Paris St Germain and knowing they will have to do something special to take the lead.
Head coach Xavi said in a press conference: “For us, this is the most important game of the season. We have to win and put pressure on the leaders. We will try to compete and win at the Bernabeu.
“We will find a strong Madrid, even more so after knocking out the best team in the world, (Manchester) City. The euphoria will be through the roof and they are a very strong opponent.
“We trained well today; yesterday we had a hangover from the Champions League. The team has all the enthusiasm in the world to fight for this league.”
Xavi has huge respect for Madrid’s efforts so far, but knows his side are not far behind where they were at the same stage last season before they won the title.
He said: “We have all the respect in the world for Madrid and their numbers are extraordinary – ours as well because we are only four points off last season.”
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