Barcelona: La Liga leaders Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday as Spain’s top flight prepares for an exciting end to the season.
Madrid have a firm grip on the title race after shaking off Catalan minnows Girona before the international break, but Ernesto Valverde’s high-flying Athletic will be a tough opponent at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In the final of the Copa del Rey, the Basques are fighting for a place in the top four and a return to football’s Champions League next season.
Athletic are fourth, a point behind Diego Simeone’s fifth-placed Atletico, who face Villarreal on Monday.
Madrid have a comfortable eight-point lead over champions Barcelona with nine games remaining and will be confident of retaining their third title in five seasons if they beat Athletic.
The Catalans have found form in recent weeks after coach Xavi Hernandez said he would leave at the end of the season to face Las Palmas at home on Saturday.
Barcelona are on a 10-game unbeaten run and beat Atletico 3-0 in their last game at the Metropolitano Stadium, showing Madrid that they would not relinquish their crown without a fight.
“All the players are giving their best and are at their best,” warned Xavi before the international break.
“Now we are in the best moment of the season, it is the moment when we dream.
He added: “An eight-point lead is a lot (but) we’ve got a head-to-head against them and we’ll try to do it.”
Real Madrid are close to recovering defender Eder Militao from injury, although he is unlikely to face Athletic.
Top scorer Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the side after serving a two-match ban, although he and Fede Valverde have returned from international duty with minor health issues.
Despite Madrid’s frequent injury problems this season, Ancelotti was positive about the team’s chances of silverware this season.
“I am quite optimistic and we are better than ever,” said the Italian before Madrid beat Osasuna in their previous game.
“We have to look forward to the next matches, we have to be happy, satisfied and hopeful.”
Seven points ahead of Atlético, Girona should stay in the top four, although their form has deteriorated with four defeats in their last six games.
“Not getting into the Champions League would be a big blow,” coach Michel Sanchez admitted.
Girona host seventh-placed Real Betis on Sunday before visiting Atlético Madrid.
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona winger continues to shine for club and country, playing a key role for Spain against Brazil in an entertaining draw on Tuesday. Barca manager Xavi Hernandez is torn between trying not to fire the 16-year-old and giving him free reign to wreak havoc on the right wing, with Las Palmas visiting the Catalan capital next Saturday.
Leaders Madrid face Athletic in final run towards Liga title
