Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: We know importance of this Barcelona clash

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admits victory over Barcelona on Sunday will take them closer to their title triumph.

Real host Barca clear at the top of the table.

Ancelotti said: “If we manage to win it, we'll be within touching distance of LaLiga. We're playing against highly competitive opposition who have played brilliantly in recent games. It will be a hard-fought and evenly-matched Clásico, as they always are. It's a great opportunity to move closer to the LaLiga title but we know how difficult it will be because Barcelona are still very much in it.

“We've recovered well but there are players who will need the extra day, like Mendy. They'll all be in the squad, we haven't had any real problems and we'll try and put the best possible team out tomorrow. Mendy was still a bit tired today so we decided to give him that extra rest.

“A team's strength always lies in how they work together as a group, guys who put the success of the team before their own personal achievement. The game the other day might throw up the odd doubt, but first and foremost it reflects the commitment of every player here. That's unusual in a team at the very top."

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: We know importance of this Barcelona clash

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: We know importance of this Barcelona clash

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: We know importance of this Barcelona clash

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: We know importance of this Barcelona clash

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: We know importance of this Barcelona clash