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After the drama of El Clasico, La Liga's leading trio of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona resume their title tussle this week.
Sunday's game at the Bernabeu attracted its customary global attention, and did not disappoint as Lionel Messi's hat-trick helped Barca twice come from behind to seal a thrilling 4-3 win over fierce rivals Real.
That result, combined with Atletico's 2-0 win at bottom club Real Betis, means the top three are now separated by just one point, with the two Madrid clubs level at the top on 70 points with nine games remaining and Atletico leading only by virtue of their head-to-head record.
After seeing their 18-match unbeaten league run come to an end on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti's Real face the toughest task of the trio in the midweek round of action.
They visit Sevilla, who come into the game in sparkling form after five consecutive Liga wins, while they were further buoyed last Thursday after seeing off bitter rivals Betis on penalties in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.
Any slip-up by Real is likely to be punished by both their rivals, who host mid-table outfits.
Atletico welcome 11th-placed Granada to the Vicente Calderon, which has become a fortress for Diego Simeone's men this season.
In 15 home league games, they have picked up 12 wins and three draws, with only Real, Barca and Sevilla having anything to show for their visits to their ground.
Granada, by contrast, have been in torrid form on the road, picking up just one point from their previous six away outings.
Barca, meanwhile, see a familiar face visit the Camp Nou as club icon Luis Enrique arrives with his Celta Vigo side hoping to stop a Barca team who have scored 17 goals in their last three home Liga fixtures.
At the wrong end of the table, Betis desperately need to start picking up points to stand any chance of staying up - starting with their trip to Levante - while fellow strugglers Almeria entertain eighth-placed Valencia.
Athletic Bilbao currently occupy the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot, and they will hope to keep the challenging trio of Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Sevilla at arm's length when they visit Elche in 15th.
Sociedad will be confident of maximum points at home to 18th-placed Real Valladolid - who have won just once in their last eight league games, albeit with that victory coming against champions Barca - while Villarreal visit another side struggling at the wrong end of the table in Getafe.
Elsewhere, Malaga host Espanyol and Osasuna travel to Rayo Vallecano.
New La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid will be expected to continue their outstanding home record when they host Granada on Wednesday.
Atletico – who moved top with a 2-0 win at 10-man Real Betis that preceded Real Madrid's 4-3 loss to Barcelona on Sunday – have enjoyed an excellent season under coach Diego Simeone.
And much of that is down to their feats at home, with no side having come away with three points after a league visit to Estadio Vicente Calderon.
In fact, just three of the 15 sides to have visited Atletico this season have left with one point, those being title rivals Real and Barca along with the fifth-placed Sevilla.
While Atletico do not have the riches that Real and Barca have at their disposal, Simeone has moulded his side into a well-organised outfit that have proved difficult to break down.
Atletico have conceded just 21 goals in their 29 league matches – giving them La Liga's best defence.
And although Atletico have been expected to fall off the pace in the second half of the season, Simeone's men appear to be getting better, a scary proposition for their rivals.
Prolific striker Diego Costa's dream season just keeps getting better, with the 25-year-old having netted 23 goals in 28 La Liga appearances.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more times in La Liga and Costa, who is hoping to represent Spain at this year's FIFA World Cup in Brazil, netted again in Sunday's triumph.
The performance was typical of Costa's season - the often-prickly forward clashed with several opponents, notably Betis' Paulao, had a goal ruled out and then found himself in the right place at the right time to net his side's second.
Costa's predatory instincts have reaped rewards time and time again for Simeone, who also saw Gabi score a 25-yard screamer in Sunday's win.
Granada, who are 11th, also enter the match on the back of a win after Yacine Brahimi's second-half strike saw them beat Elche 1-0.
Granada have won their last three home fixtures, but have struggled on the road, without a victory in their last six – a run dating back to December.
Youssef El-Arabi provided the assist for Brahimi at the weekend and the Morocco international has been the club's main man this season, netting 11 goals in 27 La Liga appearances.
El-Arabi was a late substitute in Granada's 2-1 home loss to Atletico back in October, a feisty affair that saw the winners score two penalties but lose Filipe Luis to a late red card.
Javier Manquillo is on the comeback trail from a back injury, but is not expected to feature for Atleti.
Liverpool loanee Tiago Ilori (muscular injury) will miss out again for Granada, with forward Piti and goalkeeper Roberto doubtful.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has called for his side to produce "an immediate reaction" when they travel to Sevilla on Wednesday.
Real lost Sunday's El Clasico to Barcelona, twice throwing away the lead to go down 4-3 in front of their home fans.
The result had serious ramifications for the title race, with Barca clawing to within one point of leaders Atletico Madrid and Real with nine matches of the season remaining.
And while the defeat has clearly hurt Real - Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos both publicly slammed the officiating of referee Alberto Undiano, who awarded three penalties, two of which went to Barca - Ancelotti has urged his players to move on quickly.
"We have to forget this match and think about Wednesday, which could be a key game in the season," the Italian said.
"We have to be happy with the way we played (against Barcelona)…luck was not on our side but the team proved to be fit and we have the drive and ability to put this match quickly behind us.
"La Liga is wide open and we are going to keep fighting. There are nine matches left and, as I have said, it will be a very intense race for everyone."
Karim Benzema scored twice against Barca before being sacrificed after Ramos was sent off - for the 19th time in his Real career - and is expected to lead the line again.
Angel Di Maria was also outstanding for Real, but they did not get enough from stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on club football's biggest occasion and Ancelotti will want the pair to reprise their performances from the reverse fixture back in October.
Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and Bale added two in Real's 7-3 home demolition of Sevilla. Ramos will be suspended for the visit of his former club after his latest red card and Jese Rodriguez (knee) is sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Sevilla will be quietly confident of pulling off an upset after a week that has included two important wins.
After knocking rivals Real Betis out of the UEFA Europa League's last 16 on penalties, the fifth-placed outfit won 2-1 at Osasuna on Sunday.
Unai Emery's men have won their last five La Liga fixtures - a run that has seen France forward Kevin Gameiro score four times.
Carlos Bacca and Ivan Rakitic have also impressed in recent times and Sevilla's form means Real must take their challenge seriously.
Barcelona's stunning El Clasico win will have given them a huge lift ahead of Wednesday's La Liga clash against Celta Vigo.
The Catalan giants beat arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabeu on Sunday to breathe new life into their title defence.
The thrilling triumph - which was inspired by a hat-trick from Argentine superstar Lionel Messi - means Gerardo Martino's side are now within one point of leaders Atletico Madrid and Real.
With nine league matches remaining, a thrilling finish to the season is anticipated - and Barca can now expect to play a major part in the race for the crown.
Defeat to Real would have seen them fall seven points behind Carlo Ancelotti's team, but midfielders Sergio Busquets and Xavi now feel retaining their Liga crown is a realistic aim.
"They (Real) are a direct rival and if we had lost we would have been very far from the top of the table," Busquets said after Sunday's win.
"To win La Liga we have to win all the games we have left. We're strong at home and we need to be more consistent on the road."
Xavi added: "We're very content and happy. Our morale is very high. We're one point away from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - it will be a great fight for the title."
With Spanish league positions being decided on a head-to-head record, and not goal difference, if teams are tied on points, the impact of Barca's victory in the capital may be felt at the season's end.
The Catalans' win gives them the edge over Real in their head-to-heads - following their 2-1 success in the reverse fixture in October - while the club's second clash with Atletico on the final day of the season could prove crucial.
Barca and Atletico will also meet in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals next month.
Barca captain Carles Puyol (knee) remains in doubt for the home game with Celta, while Jonathan dos Santos (knee) and Isaac Cuenca (hamstring) will definitely miss out.
Messi's treble in Madrid - his second hat-trick in a week after he also hit three in the 7-0 demolition of Osasuna seven days earlier - has taken him to 21 league goals for the season, and he and fellow forward Alexis Sanchez have combined for 38 goals - five more than the entire Celta squad.
Celta, coached by Barca legend Luis Enrique, sit 12th in the league but just six points clear of the relegation zone.
They did win their last away fixture - a 1-0 success at Levante - but that is their only triumph in their last five matches.
Just one goal in their last four home matches has seen them lose the momentum gained in January and early February, but Enrique will hope his players lift themselves for the visit to Camp Nou.
Celta will welcome back defenders Gustavo Cabral and Jon Aurtenetxe from suspension.
The meeting between the two sides earlier this season ended in a 3-0 win to Barca, though, and a similar result would not surprise with Martino's men riding the crest of a wave following their Clasico success.
La Liga Wrap: Garcia leads Espanyol to rare away win
25 March 2014
Sergio Garcia led Espanyol past Malaga 2-1 on Tuesday as the latter failed to grasp a big opportunity to move away from the La Liga drop zone.
Espanyol skipper Garcia scored one goal and set up another for his team as they claimed a rare victory away from home.
The Barcelona-based club had won just once in their past 10 matches on the road in all competitions but that record was not enough to see Malaga notch a much-needed victory.
Espanyol hit the front in the 33rd minute when Christian Stuani found space with a smart turn and, as Malaga's defenders flocked to him, the Uruguayan released Garcia down the right and the veteran striker lashed the ball into the net.
Malaga responded immediately, although the goal should have been ruled out for offside.
Roque Santa Cruz found Pablo Perez at the top of the penalty area and, while the midfielder was slightly goal-side of Espanyol's last defender Juan Fuentes, the flag stayed down and Malaga's midfielder made no mistake with his shot across Kiko Casilla.
But Espanyol's feelings of injustice would have been assuaged with 14 minutes remaining at the Estadio La Rosaleda when Garcia produced a brilliant defence-splitting pass to pick out Pizzi on the right and the Portuguese forward slammed the ball inside the far post from a tight angle.
Perez was sent off two minutes later to make matters worse for Malaga.
The win took Espanyol to eighth in the La Liga table with 40 points - ahead of games on Wednesday and Thursday - and Malaga remain 13th with 32.
Depending on results, Malaga could fall as low as 17th by the end of the 30th round - just one spot above the relegation zone.
Malaga avoided dropping one position on Tuesday as Elche, who sit 14th, were held to a 0-0 draw at home against fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
The result took Elche to 31 points for the season after they edged possession against the Basques but failed to convert one of their 12 shots for the game, with just two on target.
Bilbao were equally wayward in the forward third with one shot on target from eight attempts, as they stayed fourth in the UEFA Champions League play-off spot, moving up to 56 points; 13 behind third-placed Barcelona and nine ahead of Sevilla, who sit fifth.
Diego Simeone admits Real Madrid's referee complaints following Sunday's El Clasico made him "laugh a lot".
Real were on the receiving end of a 4-3 defeat against Barcelona that sent Simeone's Atletico Madrid to the top of La Liga by virtue of their superior head-to-head record against their city rivals.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos openly criticised referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco following the feisty clash, which saw Ramos sent off and Barca net two of three penalties awarded on the night - the other converted by Ronaldo.
But Simeone claimed on Tuesday that the incident had brought a smile to his face.
"The allegations made by Madrid made me laugh a lot," the Atletico boss is quoted as saying.
Despite sitting at the summit of the Spanish top flight, Simeone refuses to adopt the 'favourites' mantle in the title chase.
"Madrid and Barca continue to be favourites, they have everything in their favour," he added. "If there were only two or three matches left it would be different. We need to win all our matches and that will be very difficult.
"We need to go game by game because I can see that we have expectations now. Nine matches are a lot.
"We’ll see whether we are ready to handle the pressure of being leaders.
"The reality is that in 40 years Atletico have been champions once. To be able to talk about this situation we need to be in the same position in five matches' time."
Ronaldo, Ramos ´did not disrespect´ referee, says Ancelotti
25 March 2014
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos "did not disrespect" the referee following El Clasico, according to Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The players were openly critical of match official Alberto Undiano Mallenco following the feisty La Liga fixture that saw Real lose 4-3 to Barcelona after having Ramos dismissed for a challenge on Neymar.
Ronaldo alleged his side "played against 12", while Ramos claimed the result was "pre-meditated".
However, Ancelotti has defended his players' for their comments on Undiano Mallenco, who awarded three penalties on Sunday.
"Cristiano and Ramos did not disrespect anyone," he stressed. "They only expressed an opinion that I understand as well.
"We were unlucky, especially with Ramos' red card. It wasn't fair.
"I don't mind if Undiano Mallenco referees a Real Madrid game again. It's not me who decides.
"Referees make mistakes. That's all."
Ancelotti refused to comment on who he felt should - or should not - officiate the Copa del Rey final between the sides next month, adding: "It's not my responsibility to discuss who should referee the Copa del Rey final. They have a committee for that."
Real are now second in the Spanish top flight by virtue of their head-to-head record with city rivals Atletico, but Ancelotti is confident his side can return to form.
"We trained well," he continued. "The atmosphere is good ahead of tomorrow's important match with Sevilla.
"Tomorrow's match is important because we have to react well after a defeat.
"We've seen many surprises so we know that all the remaining matches are very dangerous.
"The mistakes we made in the Clasico weren't big, they were small details that cost us the game.
"Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and we will prove that until the end of the season.
"Sevilla are dangerous because they are going through a good moment. It will be a difficult and complicated match."
La Liga Wrap: Atletico and Real suffer mixed fortunes, Valdes sees season ended
26 March 2014
There was mixed fortunes for the three La Liga title rivals on Wednesday on a day when Victor Valdes' Barcelona career looked to be ended.
Atletico Madrid solidified their place at the top of the table with 1-0 over Granada, while Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Sevilla.
Real's controversial 4-3 Clasico loss to arch-rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday saw them replaced by Atletico at the table's summit and they were unable to bounce back from that defeat.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave them a 14th-minute lead at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but the deficit was overturned just a few moments later as Carlos Bacca poked the ball past Diego Lopez.
The visitors enjoyed more of the ball than their hosts in the second half, but Bacca's contribution was vital - as he netted his second with 18 minutes left to give Sevilla all three points.
The victory was Sevilla's sixth consecutive triumph in the league, moving them to within six points of fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao, while Real slip three points behind leaders Atletico, who won without playing particularly well.
Atleti struggled to break through Granada in a frustrating first half, but top scorer Diego Costa salvaged all three points after 63 minutes with his 24th Liga goal of the campaign.
Real's defeat means Atleti are a point clear of Barcelona as the title race swings between three teams.
Barcelona moved up to second, above Real, thanks to their 3-0 home win over Celta Vigo, but the victory was marred by a season-ending knee injury to goalkeeper Valdes.
The goalkeeper has already announced his intention to leave at the end of the campaign, meaning that he has played his final game in a Barcelona shirt.
He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament after landing awkwardly while collecting a routine ball into the box, and he is now set for surgery that also puts his FIFA World Cup participation with Spain in doubt.
Away from that incident, two goals from Neymar and one from Lionel Messi was more than enough to see off a Celta side coached by Barca legend Luis Enrique.
The day's other game saw Rayo Vallecano take a big leap towards survival as they beat another of the league's relegation contenders, Osasuna, 1-0 at home.
Rayo went into the match a point above their visitors and it looked set to end all-square at Estadio de Vallecas as proceedings entered second-half stoppage time with the scores level.
However, Jose Carlos won a late penalty after a tug from full-back Damia and forward Joaquin Larrivey converted the resulting spot-kick to win it.
Victor Valdes' Barcelona career looks over as he requires surgery on a serious knee injury sustained in the 3-0 win over Celta Vigo.
The Liga champions - who sealed victory on Wednesday at Camp Nou courtesy of a Neymar brace and a goal from Lionel Messi - have confirmed that Valdes tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after landing awkwardly when making a routine save from a free-kick midway through the first half.
With the Spain goalkeeper having already revealed that he will leave the club at the end of the season when his current contract expires, Valdes appears set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is facing the prospect of missing the FIFA World Cup in Brazil later this year.
Valdes has played over 500 times for Barca since making his breakthrough over a decade ago and has helped the club win six La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League three times.
Having been taken off on a stretcher, the 32-year-old then went to hospital before the full extent of the injury became clear and head coach Gerardo Martino has rued it as a "heavy blow".
"We've been through a lot this season," he said.
"I thought everything that could happen had happened already. Obviously I was wrong. It's a heavy blow to Victor. We'll all try to overcome it.
"The group is hit hard but will continue to fight and overcome this. I don't want any excuses. We have everything at hand.
"I haven't seen Victor, nor have I talked to him. When (Valdes' replacement, Jose) Pinto went down I thought that's all we were missing.
"(But) I'd rule out signing another goalkeeper unless we suffer another misfortune."
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta echoed Martino's sentiments, claiming the win as an "expensive" one.
"It’s very bad luck," he added. "This was an expensive three points. We'll have to be more together in adversity.
"We saw that in the second half, Pinto was extraordinary. But we feel very bad. This victory has cost us a lot. We all feel pain."
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone will look to utilise his full first-team squad in a bid to clinch the La Liga title.
Ahead of Wednesday's clash with Granada, Atletico sit level on points with neighbours Real Madrid at the top of the table and one ahead of third-placed Barcelona.
With a first title since 1996 firmly in sight, Simeone will look to rotate and rest players accordingly to deal with a run-in that also involves at least two matches in the UEFA Champions League.
"We only aspire to be competitive in each match. At this end of season, all the players are essential. We have to look for the best alternatives to play each match, which are three days apart," he said.
"I have faith in all the guys that have trained and are waiting for their opportunity. When I deem it necessary to make them play, I won't hesitate. We need them and they have been long expecting it."
Simeone has not been afraid to experiment in attack, with David Villa and Raul Garcia having been utilised alongside or behind Diego Costa.
"With Raul, because of his nature, we have a midfielder who plays more centred and arrives better to the box," Simeone added.
"David Villa is closer to the forward figure we all know, with better results in short distances, and it obviously makes us work differently."
Ancelotti concedes Real were not ready for Sevilla
27 March 2014
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said their preparation for Sevilla was below par, after their shock 2-1 loss on Wednesday.
Ancelotti's men led early but were reeled in by the persistent hosts, with two Carlos Bacca goals helping Sevilla move closer to fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao, and within six points of a UEFA Champions League spot.
The Italian tactician said Sevilla's exploitation of Real's defensive frailties meant his side were not deserving of the three points.
"I don't think we deserved to lose," Ancelotti said.
"On the one hand we could have because we didn't prepare well for Sevilla's counter-attacks and that is how they scored both goals.
"We took the lead and could have scored more goals. Then they scored two goals in the same way when we needed more balance."
Ancelotti refused to single out Xabi Alonso for criticism, after the defensive midfielder gave up possession in the lead-up to both of Sevilla's goals.
"Alonso is not at fault, he miscontrolled the ball, but we have to cover his back and we didn't," he said.
"That is where both goals came from.
"Cristiano Ronaldo was annoyed because we were losing the match, nothing more.
"Now, La Liga is more complicated because we are behind (Atletico and Barcelona). It's more complicated but not impossible."
Ancelotti also refuted suggestions Real struggle in big matches, having lost two on the spin against Barcelona and now Champions League-chasing Sevilla.
"It's not a problem. The team has lost against smaller teams," he said.
"La Liga is complicated and it has strong teams and every match is difficult. We have to think about ourselves.
"We lost two matches but we have to believe we can win it. We are behind but we have to believe it is possible."
Real defender Marcelo said he was sorry for the capital club's performance, which has seen them lose their advantage in the La Liga title race.
Atletico Madrid claimed outright lead in Spain's top flight following Wednesday's games on 73 points, one ahead of second-placed Barcelona, while Real (70 points) dropped to third.
"We knew the end of the season was going to be tough. Every game is like a final. We have to fight and keep fighting and apologise to the fans of Real Madrid," the Brazilian said.
La Liga Wrap: Real Betis hold survival hope, Keita scores fastest goal
27 March 2014
Bottom club Real Betis picked up three crucial points on Thursday with a 3-1 win at Levante as they continue to fight for La Liga survival.
The win continued Betis' resurgence in the Spanish top flight with the Seville-based club making it eight points from five matches, although they remain five points adrift of second-last Real Valladolid, who lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad.
Two goals in eight second-half minutes saw Betis stun the home team at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia after Levante's Papakouli Diop had cancelled out Salva Sevilla's opener for the visitors.
Levante had not won in three league matches heading into Thursday's encounter and Betis took advantage of their hosts' poor form in the 13th minute with Sevilla finishing from close range after Ruben Castro's initial shot was blocked.
Diop equalised with a blistering low shot in the 26th minute but Levante could not match Betis after half-time.
The visitors' scintillating period from the 70th minute decided the match with Molina thrashing the ball into the net from Leo Baptistao's pass before Castro tapped home a loose ball seven minutes later to give Betis a two-goal buffer.
The win took Betis to 22 points from 30 games this season but they still have plenty of work to do to escape relegation with eight rounds remaining, as they need to overhaul Valladolid (27), Getafe (28) and at least one of Osasuna (29), Almeria (30) and Elche (31).
Tenth-placed Levante remain safe in mid-table with 37 points.
It was a good day for Betis with Getafe and Valladolid both losing, while Almeria was the only other team in the lower reaches of the table to collect a point, coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Valencia.
Sociedad stayed in the hunt for a UEFA Europa League berth with their win over Valladolid with Mexican forward Carlos Vela scoring the only goal of the game.
The victory took Sociedad to 49 points in sixth - the second of two positions that come with an automatic spot in next season's Europa League - just one point adrift of fifth-placed Sevilla.
Villarreal ensured they kept the pressure on Sevilla and Sociedad as well, as they won 1-0 at Getafe thanks to Jeremy Perbet's goal.
In Almeria, the home side looked set for a fourth loss in five games when Valencia jumped out to a 2-0 lead by half-time.
Malian midfielder Seydou Keita scored the fastest goal in La Liga history for Valencia, bursting forward from kick-off to put pressure on Almeria and taking advantage of a short backpass from Marco Torsiglieri to side-foot the ball into the net after just 7.6 seconds.
Eduardo Vargas doubled the visitors lead in the 34th minute but two goals in as many minutes after the break saw Almeria snatch a 2-2 draw.
Oscar Diaz scored Almeria's first seven minutes into the second half, acrobatically volleying the ball into the net after Suso's long-range effort was parried by Valencia goalkeeper Guaita, while Corona notched the equaliser a minute later with a sharp finish from Fernando Soriano's through-ball.
Barcelona have agreed the transfer of 17-year-old Dinamo Zagreb prospect Alen Halilovic.
The Liga champions have long been in the hunt for the Croatia international's signature but were initally rebuffed last month.
Despite reported interest from the likes of Premier League pair Tottenham and Arsenal, Halilovic will move to Camp Nou on a five-year deal - starting life at Barca in their reserve side.
Halilovic joins for an initial fee of €2.2million, with the amount set to rise based on a number of clauses.
The attacking midfielder is the youngest international to play for Croatia and has featured in the UEFA Champions League with Dinamo.
This campaign has seen Halilovic cement a regular place with the Croatian top-flight holders and leaders.
Speaking to Barca's website, Halilovic said: "I am delighted and it’s hard to find the words to describe how I feel.
"Thank you very much to Dinamo, who will always be my first love and the club where my dreams started coming true.
"I would like to thank all the Dinamo youth coaches and all of the fans.
"Of course, Barcelona is something special, I have loved the club since I was a kid and it will be an honour to be able to play for Barca.
"But before that, I want to win the double with Dinamo and then I'll start concentrating on my new club."
Espanyol will be out to halt the title ambitions of Barcelona as their bitter city rivals continue their hunt for a 23rd La Liga crown.
Gerardo Martino's Barca side have recovered emphatically from a surprise 1-0 defeat at Real Valladolid earlier this month, winning the following three La Liga matches.
They have scored 14 goals in the process, following up Sunday's epic 4-3 El Clasico success at bitter rivals Real Madrid with a routine 3-0 home win over Celta Vigo in midweek to really ignite their title charge.
They will face a stiff test on Saturday however, against neighbours Espanyol, with the two clubs competing in a bitter rivalry down the years that holds its roots in political differences.
Those differences are less pronounced now, but there is no question of diminishing tensions whenever the two sides meet on the field.
This weekend should be no different, with both sides needing maximum points to aid their respective causes as the Liga season enters its final throes.
Barca lie second in the table, a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two clear of Real, while their hosts are among a cluster of teams aiming for a top-six finish that would see them qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
Javier Aguirre's side have been inconsistent in recent weeks, with two wins, two draws and two defeats in their past six matches, although they were victorious last time out as goals from Sergio Garcia and Pizzi earned them a 2-1 win at Malaga on Tuesday.
Head coach Aguirre believes that luck was on their side in that game, and he is hoping Saturday's derby can inspire his charges to a strong finish to the campaign.
"We have to go and try to win," he said. "Our team is strong and healthy. Each of our last eight games is a final."
Barca were rocked on Wednesday by the news that goalkeeper Victor Valdes has played his final game for the club after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while making a routine save in the first half at Camp Nou.
With the Spain international having already announced he is to leave at the end of the season, it was a sad way to bow out for the keeper, and there were further concerns for Barca when Andres Iniesta was withdrawn at half-time with a niggling thigh injury.
However, the diminutive midfielder insisted on Thursday that it was not a serious problem and that he would be fit for the weekend, before echoing the sentiments of Aguirre.
"I sensed some minor pain, but I should be fine by tomorrow and perfect by Saturday," he told the club's official website.
"These are always very special matches and the situation in the league makes it more important than ever. We'll go there hoping to win, but aware that it won't be easy.
"We are back in contention for the league title, and I think we deserve to be, on our own merit. Now every game is like a final."
Along with Valdes, Barca will be without Jonathan dos Santos (knee) and Isaac Cuenca (hamstring), while Carles Puyol (knee) remains doubtful.
La Liga Preview: Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid
27 March 2014
Atletico Madrid's ability to force the Liga title pace will be tested on Saturday when the leaders face Athletic Bilbao.
In what has become one of the most entertaining Spanish title races for some time, Diego Simeone's men now have their destiny in their own hands.
They ground out a 1-0 win over Granada in midweek while rivals Real stumbled at Sevilla - allowing Atletico to go top for just a second time this term.
Thanks to the form of traditional heavyweights Barca and Real - Atletico have done much of their good work this season as part of the chasing pack.
However, their title credentials will face a stiff test against fourth-placed Bilbao on Saturday, as they look to defend their position as pacesetters at San Mames in a game sandwiched between Barcelona's clash with Espanyol and Real's visit of Rayo Vallecano.
Such is the nature of this season's title race that a defeat for Atletico could see them slip to third by the end of the day, while victory can put them four points clear at the top, although midfielder Jose Sosa is calling on his team-mates not to get ahead of themselves.
"I'm happy and the effort we're putting in shows," he said.
"We need to think of only ourselves in every game, that’s what has got us to this place. There's not long to go in the season but it seems very long for us.
"We know it’ll be difficult. All the matches will be difficult. We can't err in any of them and the details will decide a lot."
While Atletico have won their last four league outings without conceding a goal, Saturday's hosts have also been in impressive form as they look to have all but nailed down the final UEFA Champions League spot.
Barring a major collapse late in the season, Ernesto Valverde's side will likely play in the qualification rounds for next season's Champions League, an achievement that has been helped by a run of just one defeat in their last 12 league games.
Aside from defeats to Real Sociedad and Espanyol, Bilbao have proven tough to beat in 2014 and striker Diego Costa will likely have a big say in whether Simeone and co return to the capital with three points.
Costa has five goals from his last four games in all competitions and was on hand to score the winner the last time the teams met - finding the net with four minutes to go in a 2-1 Atletico victory.
Real Madrid's players still believe they can win La Liga but have acknowledged the importance of Saturday's home clash versus Rayo Vallecano.
Carlo Ancelotti's men will enter the match hoping to avoid a third defeat in less than a week, with Sunday's home El Clasico loss to Barcelona followed by a 2-1 reverse at Sevilla on Wednesday.
Those results have seen Real drop to third in the table, two points behind Barcelona, and three adrift of city rivals Atletico.
It means Saturday's fixture in the Spanish capital takes on extra significance, with Real's title chances hinging on a positive result.
Defender Pepe and midfielder Xabi Alonso remain convinced they can still usurp their rivals and win the league, though, and they will take comfort from the fact that Barca and Atletico will meet on the last weekend of the season.
"There are still matches left and it's still possible. We have to be ready to win Saturday's match against Rayo," Pepe said.
"Now we have no room for error. We have to fight knowing who is in the battle for the Liga, and knowing that there is no room for mistakes."
Alonso, who gave the ball away in the build-up to one of Sevilla's goals, added: "There is still time to win.
"Atletico and Barcelona are there, who have to make a mistake, and we cannot falter, but we have to believe."
Gareth Bale arrived in Madrid to much fanfare in the close-season, reportedly becoming the world's most expensive player.
And now would be the opportune moment to show why Real spent so much time – and money – in chasing him, with the Wales international going more than a month without a goal for his club.
One man who is having no problems finding the net is Cristiano Ronaldo, who tops the league's scoring charts with 27.
At the other end of the field, Real will welcome Sergio Ramos back from suspension.
Rayo Vallecano travel to Santiago Bernabeu in a buoyant mood, having embarked on a five-match unbeaten run that has included four wins.
That form has helped them move five points clear of the relegation zone but they left it late on Wednesday, beating Osasuna 1-0 thanks to Joaquin Larrivey's penalty in second-half stoppage time.
They gave Real a run for their money in November's reverse fixture, when a pair of Jonathan Viera penalties in the second half set up a nervy finish.
Rayo do have the propensity to get beaten badly, though, having conceded four or more goals in eight league fixtures this season.
And for that reason alone, they will be wary of a Real side desperate to atone for a poor week.
Granada will not take disciplinary action against Dani Benitez until official confirmation of his alleged failed anti-doping test is received.
Reports in the Spanish media have claimed that midfielder Benitez tested positive for cocaine after Granada's 1-0 win over Real Betis in February.
Benitez came on as a substitute in that game before being sent off after just 19 minutes for a rash challenge on Betis midfielder Nono.
The 26-year-old has spent almost five years on loan at Granada from Udinese as part of a partnership agreement between the two sides.
It has been rumoured that Granada's legal team have already informed Benitez of their intention to rescind his deal at the club.
But Granada have not received official notification from the Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sports or football's governing bodies, and club director and spokesman Pedro Gonzalez Segura insists they will not take action until they do so.
"It is regrettable that news of such gravity has been received through the media," said Segura.
"We are still awaiting official confirmation. We have shown our frustration, for the slowness in receiving the official confirmation.
"We have formally requested notification.
"We have begun disciplinary proceedings, to be initiated once we receive official notification. Faced with such serious facts, the club will act harshly, but we will still make ourselves available to Dani Benitez.
"We are considering all the possibilities, ahead of any sanctions for the player.
"We will undertake a thorough study of the facts, before making any decisions.
"If this very serious situation is confirmed, the working relationship of the club and Benitez will obviously be affected.
"The club will support the player with all he needs on a personal level.
"Professionally, we must act with the utmost strictness. The club will remain available to help Dani Benitez on a human level. We will try to help him however we can."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has played down fears that Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering from a knee injury.
Reports in Spain suggested the Portugal international had been playing through the pain barrier recently as Real slipped off the pace in La Liga.
Ronaldo was unable to prevent defeats against Barcelona and Sevilla this week - with Real falling three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in third place.
However, Ancelotti dismissed any notion that Ronaldo could miss games in the title run-in due to the problem, stating he will play against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
"Cristiano has trained normally. He will play (on Saturday). He doesn't have any problems," Ancelotti said.
"Cristiano has a little issue, but it doesn't stop him from training normally.
"If things get worse naturally Ronaldo would rest but everyone is relaxed at the moment."
Real's back-to-back defeats leave them with plenty of work to do in their title quest and Ancelotti's men play after both Barcelona and Atletico on Saturday.
However, such is the close nature of the race for the Spanish top flight, Real could find themselves back top by the end of the weekend if results go their way.
In terms of their own performance, Ancelotti has called for an improved defensive effort.
"We have to be more focused than we normally are," he added.
"It's clear that we have become weaker in defence. We made small mistakes that have cost us many goals.
"I don't know how many points are needed to win the league, but it will be decided in the last match.
"The league will be won with more than 90 points for sure."
La Liga Preview: Atletico´s title credentials to face test
28 March 2014
Atletico Madrid's title credentials will be tested when the table-toppers visit Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday.
Diego Simeone's charges have moved to the summit after Real Madrid suffered two defeats in less than a week, following up their 4-3 Clasico loss to Barcelona with a 2-1 reverse at Sevilla.
Atletico lead Barcelona by one point, with Real now three points adrift in third.
Thanks to the form of traditional heavyweights Barca and Real, Atletico have done much of their good work this season as part of the chasing pack.
But placed firmly in the spotlight after recent results, they will face a difficult challenge at the fourth-placed Bilbao.
Saturday's hosts have also been in impressive form as they look to have all but nailed down the final UEFA Champions League spot.
Ernesto Valverde's side are six points clear of fifth-placed Sevilla and have lost just one of their last 12 league games.
They will have to stop Atleti hitman Diego Costa, though, who sits second behind only Real superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the goalscoring charts with 24 Liga strikes to his name this term. The Spain international scored Atleti's second goal in their 2-0 triumph over Bilbao in the reverse fixture.
Real, meanwhile, need to arrest their form slump if they are to be in with any chance of winning the title, with Rayo Vallecano the visitors to the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Sergio Ramos will return from suspension for Real, who have seen Ronaldo score in seven successive fixtures in all competitions.
They will face a buoyant Rayo side though, with a five-match unbeaten run - including four wins - helping steer the Madrid club clear of the relegation zone.
Barcelona have scored 14 goals in their last three league fixtures but will have to do without goalkeeper Victor Valdes when they visit local rivals Espanyol on Saturday.
Valdes has played his last game for the club after suffering a serious knee injury in the club's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday. The shot-stopper is due to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season.
Captain Carles Puyol (knee) remains doubtful and Andres Iniesta (thigh) is also an injury concern for Gerardo Martino.
Also on Saturday, Sevilla head to Vigo in good spirits after their win over Real - their sixth Liga victory in a row - while Sunday's matches involve a host of relegation rivals.
Second-bottom Real Valladolid can move ahead of the 16th-placed Almeria with victory at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla, while Getafe, who sit 18th after a nightmare run of 15 games without a win, visit Valencia.
Osasuna host Real Sociedad and Villarreal meet Elche, while on Monday, rock-bottom Real Betis play Malaga and Levante travel to Granada.
5 things to know about the Spanish league with Atletico's lead put to test at Bilbao
Joseph Wilson The Associated Press
March 28, 2014 06:16 AM
Atletico de Madrid's Gabi Fernandez, second left, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Betis during their La Liga soccer match at the Benito Villamarin stadium, in Seville, Spain on Sunday, March 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Angel Fernandez)
BARCELONA, Spain - Spanish league leader Atletico Madrid can see the finish line, but its difficult run-in begins when it travels to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
In the most exciting season finale in years, Atletico leads Barcelona by one point and Real Madrid by three with eight games to go.
Barcelona visits Espanyol, while Madrid hosts a resurgent Rayo Vallecano looking to bounce back from its first consecutive losses in league play since 2009.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino may rotate his starting lineup with Atletico visiting Camp Nou on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.
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ASSAULTING SAN MAMES: Atletico may be in the driver's seat but it has the toughest schedule of all the three contenders with five away matches in the eight remaining rounds. After visiting fourth-place Bilbao, it travels to Getafe, Valencia, and Levante before ending the season at Barcelona. Atletico has already won at Bilbao this season in the Copa del Rey, becoming the first visitor to emerge victorious from the new San Mames Stadium. "Recently, the newspapers have constantly been talking about there being nine, eight, seven games left, who plays who - but I don't look at that because it gets me nervous," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "If we think about those things, we won't get anywhere. We must only think of each game as being a final. It's the only way."
DOOR OPEN FOR VALDES: Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu says the club will offer a new contract to injured goalkeeper Victor Valdes if he changes his mind and decides to stay at his boyhood club. Valdes has said he would leave when his contract expires this summer. But that was before he tore a ligament in his right knee during Wednesday's win over Celta Vigo. He is to undergo an operation on Monday that will likely sideline him for several months, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and the World Cup. "(Valdes) is going through a tough moment and the club will do all it can for him," Bartomeu said. "We have no indication that he has signed a contract with another team. We would be thrilled for him to stay."
IN PINTO'S HANDS: Valdes' injury leaves Barcelona's goal in the hands of veteran backup Jose Pinto. The 38-year-old Pinto has been with the club since 2008 and has been its starter in the Copa del Rey, a trophy he won in 2009 and 2012. But he has never been under the pressure he will face now, having to anchor the team as it fights to defend its league crown while playing in the Champions League and against Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Pinto filled in for Valdes earlier this season, and Barcelona won six and lost two. Through his career at Barcelona, Pinto has played in 79 matches and conceded 62 goals.
GOALKEEPER DEBATE: Madrid's losses to Barcelona and at Sevilla this week have reopened the debate over who should play goalkeeper for Carlo Ancelotti's side. League starter Diego Lopez was beaten twice by Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca and allowed four goals against Barcelona, three coming from Lionel Messi. Ancelotti, however, said Lopez would start against Rayo, resisting media pressure to choose Iker Casillas. The manager shifted the blame to his entire team and its lack of intensity in defence. "We have conceded six goals and we need to avoid these types of errors because we pay dearly for them," Ancelotti said. "We need to be more focused." Once in the relegation zone, Rayo turned around and won four of its last five matches to soar into 12th place despite having the worst defence in the league with 63 goals allowed.
THREE GUNSLINGERS: While the title races tightens, the duel to finish as the league's leading scorer is also heating up with Messi quickly gaining on the front-runners. Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo tops the league with 27 goals through 30 rounds. Atletico's Diego Costa is next with 24, and Messi has 22 after scoring seven times in his last three games.
