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Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has played down rumours linking Marco Reus with a move to Real Madrid.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has rejected speculation suggesting that Marco Reus could leave the club for Real Madrid.
Reports in the Spanish media have indicated that Real are ready to activate an apparent €25million release clause in Reus' contract, the presence of which was revealed by Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge last August.
The Germany forward has also been linked with Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
However, Zorc is adamant there have been no enquiries for Reus and that Dortmund are committed to keeping him at Signal Iduna Park.
"You know, I've been confronted with this question [about Reus' future] for years now," Zorc told Bild.
"Almost every week I hear about such rumours. There's no new developments, we want to continue working with Marco Reus for the long haul."
Reus - who has been troubled by ankle problems this season - has scored six goals in just 11 appearances in 2014-15.
Carlo Ancelotti is eager for Real Madrid to forget their Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid ahead of Sunday's Getafe clash.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged his side to shrug off their Copa del Rey elimination at Atletico Madrid's hands and focus on La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Ancelotti's men visit neighbours Getafe on Sunday keen to bounce back after succumbing 4-2 on aggregate to fierce city rivals Atletico on Thursday.
A 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu ended Real's hopes of retaining the Copa crown, but Ancelotti is only looking ahead.
"We have paid for some errors that have not allowed us to progress in the cup," Ancelotti said.
"We're sorry because it was a goal for the club.
"Last year we won it and we're sorry. But we have to look forward. We are in two competitions.
"We have a month to strengthen our position in the league, try to get more points against our rivals and then also the Champions League."
Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo conceded that he is playing with pain in the aftermath of the draw with Atletico.
But Ancelotti has insisted that he does not need to make changes ahead of the trip to Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
"The team is doing well physically. There are some players who must get better though," he added.
"Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos have played more than anyone because they are important. They are fine physically.
"Right now, there doesn't need to be any rotations because the team is OK."
Barcelona midfielder Xavi could face Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday, but Jeremy Mathieu has been left out as a precaution.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi is in contention to feature against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday, but defender Jeremy Mathieu will miss out.
Xavi has not played for Barca since their 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad 12 days ago due to a calf problem.
But, after taking part in full training on Saturday, coach Luis Enrique revealed that he could play some part at the Riazor.
Neymar may also return after being rested for the second leg of Barca's Copa del Rey tie with Elche, but the Catalan club confirmed on their website that defender Mathieu will be left out as a precaution after having trouble with his Achilles.
"Neymar is fine, he can play. Xavi doesn't yet have medical green light, trained normally, we'll see tomorrow [Sunday]," Luis Enrique said.
Barca's trip to Galicia comes three days before their Copa clash with Atletico Madrid.
However, Luis Enrique insisted that his side are not looking beyond the Deportivo game.
"Only Deportivo; it’s the only match that exists right now," he added.
Barca have regularly dropped points on the road, losing to Sociedad and leaders Real Madrid while also settling for draws at Getafe and Malaga.
Yet Luis Enrique does not attach any extra significance to the prospect of a triumph at Deportivo.
He said: "No I don't think that's [playing away] something [that matters], all it means is if we lose or if we draw, it's party time for you boys [the media]."
Diego Simeone has warned Atletico Madrid to expect a reaction from managerless Granada in La Liga on Sunday.
Diego Simeone expects a reaction from Granada when they face Atletico Madrid on Sunday after the sacking of Joaquin Caparros.
The 59-year-old was relieved of his duties on Friday after a dismal run of form that has left Granada bottom of the league.
Simeone believes the squad Caparros had assembled will be keen to impress any potential new coaches, and that spells danger for his Atletico side.
"The players of Granada will come with the hope to improve on their responsibility when they leave a coach," he said.
"They will come with the hope of improving their speed and impose themselves.
"We have to take the match to them, we need to generate a good intensity in the game."
Atletico need the win as much as their opponents to ensure they do not lose further ground on the top two, their defeat to Barcelona last weekend leaving them four points off the top.
Their midweek draw against Real Madrid will give them a boost, though, they knocked their fierce rivals out of the Copa del Rey at Santiago Bernabeu and saw Fernando Torres score twice.
Simeone intends to give Torres his first league start at Vicente Calderon, the 30-year-old set to partner Mario Mandzukic in attack.
He added: "They are two strikers who live better in similar areas, especially when running forward.
"We have done it [playing with two up front] on other occasions. We did it with [Radamel] Falcao and Diego Costa and Costa and [David] Villa.
"Tomorrow we will play the two together and try to find that offensive power that playing two together gives us."
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - La Liga's top three - all recorded comfortable wins in Sunday's action.
Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-0 La Liga win at Deportivo La Coruna, while leaders Real Madrid also won on Sunday.
Much attention prior to Barca's visit to the Riazor had been focused on discussions over Messi's future, following comments he made prior to Monday's FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Messi - beaten to the award by Cristiano Ronaldo - fuelled further speculation by stating "I don't know where I'll be next year" at the gala event in Zurich.
But he showcased his skill with an excellent treble, opening his account in the 10th minute with a sublime header.
The Argentinian then rounded off a free-flowing team move in the 33rd minute before capping his 30th Barca hat-trick just after the hour mark with a fierce low drive into the bottom-right corner.
A late Sidnei own goal made it 4-0 to Barca, who remain one point adrift of Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid.
They bounced back from their Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of city rivals Atletico Madrid with a 3-0 win at Getafe.
Reigning Copa champions Real were knocked out after a 4-2 aggregate defeat, and their frustration seemed evident during a goalless first half at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Toni Kroos rattled the crossbar just before the break, though, and Real eventually found their feet in the second half, with Ronaldo tapping in the opener after good build-up work from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.
Rodriguez also set up the second, nodded home by Gareth Bale, before Ronaldo took his season tally to 36 to seal victory.
Atletico are four points behind Real after a 2-0 home win over managerless Granada.
Granada, bottom of the league and without a permanent coach following Joaquin Caparros' departure on Friday, made a bright start but their good work was undone 11 minutes before the break when Abdoul Sissoko fouled Diego Godin in the penalty area.
Mario Mandzukic tucked away the resultant spot-kick for his 16th goal of the season.
Mandzukic was replaced by Garcia six minutes from time, and Diego Simeone's change paid dividends four minutes later as the midfielder headed home Arda Turan's cross from the right to wrap up the three points.
Elsewhere, Carlos Bacca and Denis Suarez scored as fourth-placed Sevilla recorded a 2-0 home win over Malaga.
Sevilla are six points behind Real Madrid.
And Elche edged Levante 1-0, with Jonathas' 12th-minute strike proving crucial. Levante had David Navarro sent off in the sixth minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo dominated Real Madrid's 3-0 win at Getafe, but Carlo Ancelotti pinpointed Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez's creativity.
Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid's La Liga title rivals that his side have the ability to keep improving following Sunday's 3-0 win at Getafe.
Real followed Thursday's Copa del Rey exit up with a laboured first-half showing at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, but a Cristiano Ronaldo double sandwiched Gareth Bale's header as the league leaders ultimately cruised to victory.
The Italian highlighted the creative efforts of Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez, respective creators of Ronaldo's opener and the two subsequent strikes, as proof that his side have recovered from a wobble which saw Real defeated at Valencia and Atletico after returning from the mid-season break on the back of a 22-game winning run.
"Generally we played very well," he said. "At first we didn't play with great intensity.
"In the second half, I liked how the team performed with intelligence. Karim's assist [for Ronaldo] was spectacular.
"The entire team played well, but the key to the game was Benzema, who did an extraordinary thing through his assist.
"The first half of the season has been very good. We started with some problems and then went on a very good run. The team continue to win and are well positioned.
"I think the intensity with which we ended the year is coming back. The team are improving.
"James hadn't been so good physically but since showed himself to be in his best condition.
"Gradually the team are returning [to their best].
"Our collective play was great. First Karim, then two more [assists] from James. Cristiano and Bale finished them off for us."
Diego Simeone expressed satisfaction with Fernando Torres and Mario Mandzukic as they showed positive signs in their fledgling partnership.
Diego Simeone was pleased with the way Fernando Torres and Mario Mandzukic combined as the strike duo appeared for the first time together for Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
The pair started Atletico's 2-0 win over Granada in La Liga on Sunday, Mandzukic netting the first goal from the penalty spot after Diego Godin had been fouled attempting to reach Torres' cross.
Substitute Raul Garcia added a second late on as Atletico climbed back above Valencia into third place, and Simeone was satisfied with how his front pairing had performed.
"The opponent were defensively organised, with many people behind the ball," he said.
"It was the first time they had played together. It's normal. They are two strikers with distinct but similar features. I'm happy."
The game marked the halfway stage of Atletico's league campaign and, with the champions four points behind city rivals and leaders Real having played a game more, Simeone is expecting a tough run-in between now and May.
"Analysing just the first half of the season wouldn't be fair because there are plenty of games left to the end," he said.
"We can see a tight fight for the third, fourth, fifth and sixth places of the standings, where you can see Villarreal, Sevilla or Valencia.
"It's obvious we have to keep working with confidence.
"It's clear the second parts of the seasons are more difficult than the first ones because the teams are in need of getting points, looking for targets, reaching Champions League, Europa League or staying in the division."
Luis Enrique targeting improvement from Barcelona as they continue to chase La Liga leaders Real Madrid after beating Deportivo La Coruna.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique still believes his side have plenty of room for improvement, despite producing a fine attacking performance in Sunday's 4-0 La Liga victory at Deportivo La Coruna.
The Catalan club stayed within one point of leaders Real Madrid thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick and a late own goal from Sidnei.
Luis Enrique's side had been held by Getafe and beaten 1-0 by Real Sociedad in their last two away games in the league.
And, although Barca were always in command at the Riazor, Luis Enrique was not completely satisfied.
"We have always had defensive intensity away from home," he said in quotes reported by AS.
"We must be efficient in attack and in defence. But there are things to improve in both phases. Victories help."
Messi's treble marked his 30th for Barca and came at the end of a week filled with speculation over his future following remarks he made before Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
The Argentina forward stated "I don't know where I'll be next year", but reaffirmed his commitment with a show of on-field brilliance.
And Luis Enrique was quick to praise their diminutive talisman.
He added: "He [Messi] has been at a very high level throughout the season. At no time has it lowered."
Beleaguered Granada have turned to a familiar face in Abel Resino to try to lift them off the foot of the Liga table.
La Liga strugglers Granada have appointed Abel Resino as coach until the end of season in an attempt to turn their dismal fortunes around.
The club sit bottom of the Spanish top flight following a run of 15 league games without a win, and were beaten 2-0 at champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Joaquin Caparros was removed from his coaching post last Friday and Granada have now turned to Resino as they seek to ensure survival.
Resino previously coached Granada in the second half of the 2011-12 season and helped save them from relegation after taking over in January 2012.
The former goalkeeper has enjoyed coaching stints with Atletico, Levante, Celta Vigo and Real Valladolid.
Granada, who are three points adrift of safety, visit 17th-placed Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday in Resino's first game back as boss.
The defender has picked up a muscular problem and will face a four-week spell on the sidelines as a result
Barcelona will have to make do without the services of Brazilian defender Douglas for up to four weeks due to a thigh injury.
The full-back picked up the knock during Sunday's training session and a series of tests have now revealed the thigh strain will keep him out of action for about a month.
"Brazilian defender Douglas has suffered a thigh strain in training on Sunday and will be out of action for three to four weeks," a statement on the club's official website reads.
"Douglas was not included in the squad that faced Deportivo and instead trained at the Ciutat Esportiva with the other players who did not travel.
"The defender will sit out both Copa del Rey matches against Atletico Madrid and the next two Liga matches as well due to his injury."
The 24-year-old joined Barcelona from Sao Paulo in August 2014, signing a five-year deal with the Camp Nou side, but has so far been unable to make an impact at his new club.
The defender has made four official appearances for Barcelona so far.
Atletico Madrid have upped their efforts to build the club's brand, with investment from Chinese company Wanda Group.
Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group has agreed to purchase a 20 per cent stake in the Liga champions.
The agreement was announced in Beijing, with the company making a €45million investment in order to secure their shares.
Wanda Group operates in areas such as entertainment, hotels and real estate and has long been involved in Chinese football, sponsoring the Chinese Super League for several seasons.
The firm has also been involved in China's Future Stars project, which helps develop grassroots football in the country and is a programme that Atletico have actively participated in.
And Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin is confident the investment from the Far East will have a positive impact on the club.
He said: "This is a major step for the club in its efforts to build a leading global brand that will provide the financial resources to remain competitive in Europe and provide riveting experiences for our fans."
Wang Jianlin, chairman of Wanda Group, added: "Wanda's investment in Atletico de Madrid is another step in our efforts to build a comprehensive entertainment portfolio for our domestic and international clients.
"We are delighted with the possibility of contributing to the growth of Atletico de Madrid with its solid fan base and a brand that is rapidly expanding internationally.
"We will also rely on their great experience in the training area, which will no doubt be very useful for the growth of grassroots football in China."
Meanwhile, Atletico have loaned winger Cristian Rodriguez to Serie A side Parma for the rest of the season.
The rain put a dampener on Carlo Ancelotti's stints in England and France with the Real Madrid coach hailing Spain as a good fit for him.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Spain has felt most like home of his three stints coaching outside Italy after being inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.
Ancelotti was honoured at a ceremony in Florence on Monday as he was named coach of the year, while Diego Maradona and Fabio Cannavaro both joined him in being added to the Hall of Fame list.
The 55-year-old Italian coach, who has won the UEFA Champions League three times as a manager, has led clubs in Italy, England, France and Spain.
Asked about where he has enjoyed working the most, Ancelotti tried to be diplomatic but seemed to lean towards his current home.
"I loved London. I settled down very well and the English people are extremely respectful," Ancelotti said about his time in charge of Chelsea.
"From this point of view, life is very easy in England. In France, well, these countries have some problems with the weather. In France it rains every day, just like in England. This affects our lives a bit.
"Madrid is very close to Italian culture. The Spanish type, character-wise, is very similar to the Italian one.
"So I get on very well with Madrid, but I couldn't say any different since here the room is full of Spanish journalists, but it's the truth."
Ancelotti guided Real to the Champions League title last season - the club's 10th crown - while he also led the Spanish outfit to their maiden Club World Cup success in December.
Luis Enrique has offered no guarantees he will still be Barcelona coach next season and says he rarely celebrates goals.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has refused to commit his future to the club, instead insisting he is "living in the present".
The former Roma boss has had to endure a turbulent stint at the helm since taking charge at Camp Nou last year, with persistent question marks over his support from both players and fans.
Luis Enrique has already vowed to walk if he does not have the backing of his squad, and admitted on Tuesday he did not know whether he would still be in charge next season.
"Football is about living for the present, and there's enough risk in that without thinking 'X' months ahead," he said. "At the moment I'm just thinking about [Wednesday's] cup game [against Atletico Madrid]."
Luis Enrique's reportedly strained relationship with Lionel Messi has been at the centre of rumours of unrest at Barca, with some questioning the coach's lack of celebration for the Argentine's three goals in a 4-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna last time out.
"I don't tend to celebrate goals," he stressed. "Of course I'm very glad that we score goals, no doubt about that.
"I think I always behave the same on the bench. People can draw whatever conclusions they want, but I think I always behave the same."
Barca tackle Atleti in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone wants his side to get on the front foot immediately when they face Barcelona again.
Diego Simeone wants Atletico Madrid to start the game much stronger when they face Barcelona for the second time in 11 days on Wednesday.
Reigning champions Atletico were beaten 3-1 at Camp Nou in La Liga on January 11, but they have the chance to gain a measure of revenge for that defeat when they visit Barca in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
In the league meeting, Neymar put Barca in front in the 12th minute, before Luis Suarez added a second 10 minutes prior to the interval.
Although Mario Mandzukic halved the deficit shortly before the hour, Lionel Messi sealed the win for the home side three minutes from time.
And Simeone wants Atletico to begin this quarter-final first-leg clash in much more positive fashion.
"We must start the game better because the start was not good," he said.
"We have to play with the intensity and pressure that we usually do. Against a team like Barcelona, which did very well in the first half an hour, we had complications.
"We face a great opponent. We are facing the best Barcelona in recent times.
"It is clear that 90 minutes will be very hard and every minute spent on the game will be of significance for the second leg.
"The key is how to work out how and where to attack. If we can bring the game to where we want to attack we will have options.
"We need to understand how to attack a team like Barcelona. And if we understand we will have options."
Real Madrid have won the race to sign 16-year-old Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard - one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe.
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Norwegian teenage sensation Martin Odegaard.
The 16-year-old attacking midfielder moves to the Spanish capital from Stromsgodset in his homeland and will be presented by his new employers at a Thursday press conference.
Odegaard became the youngest player to represent Norway last year, aged 15, and a statement released on Real's official website on Wednesday evening [local time] confirmed their much-anticipated capture of one of European football's most sought-after talents.
The statement read: "Real Madrid C. F. and Stromsgodset Fotball have reached an agreement for the transfer of Martin Odegaard.
"After undergoing a medical exam, the player will hold a press conference with the director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueno on January 22 at 1:30pm [local time] in the Ciudad Real Madrid press room."
Premier League trio Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal were among the clubs linked with a move for Odegaard, while Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge last month claimed he was confident the player would join the Bundesliga champions.
"We will try very hard to sign him and I think we have a good chance," Rummenigge told Bild.
Odegaard made 23 appearances for Stromsgodset in Norway's top flight in the 2014 season, scoring five goals.
Real stay top as Premier League dominates money list
22 January 2015
Real Madrid remain football's biggest earners as the Premier League made its presence felt in the Deloitte Football Money League.
Real Madrid have recorded the biggest revenues in world football for a 10th consecutive season, according to Deloitte's Football Money League.
The Spanish Liga giants claimed a 10th UEFA Champions League crown in 2013/14 and it brought in €549.5m (£459.5m) off the field - an increase of €30.6m on 2012/13, while the annual study underlined the overall financial might of the Premier League as all 20 English top-flight clubs were represented inside the top 40.
Despite missing out on Champions League qualification and recording a disappointing seventh-placed finish during David Moyes' unhappy season at the helm, Manchester United climbed two places up the Money League to second, swapping places with Real's La Liga counterparts Barcelona.
United's figure of €518m meant they were the only club alongside Real to surpass €500m in revenue, placing them ahead of eight Premier League counterparts in the top 20.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain remain third and fifth respectively, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool - the latter up from 12th - filling the next four spots.
Newcastle United and Everton joined Tottenham inside the top 20, further demonstrating of the impact made by the latest lucrative round of television rights fees in the Premier League.
Turkey's Galatasaray were the only team in the top 20 outside of the five major European leagues - Spain, England, Germany, Italy and France.
Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: "The growth experienced within the top 20 has been remarkable. Although only Manchester United and Real Madrid have gone past the €500m revenue marker so far, we predict that all of the top five clubs may reach that point by next year.
"Commercial and broadcast revenues are now more important than ever to clubs to enable them to compete financially and put the best talent on the pitch.”
On the Premier League’s overall strong showing, Austin Houlihan - senior manager at Deloitte - added: "The fact that all the clubs in the Premier League are in the top 40 is testament to the huge appeal of the league globally and also the equality of the distributions the clubs enjoy relative to their European counterparts."
La Liga Preview: Valencia battle Sevilla, Real Madrid hit the road
22 January 2015
Valencia and Sevilla will meet at the Mestalla on Sunday, in what shapes as a crucial encounter for both sides.
Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes acknowledged Sunday's clash with Sevilla means more than a normal La Liga clash.
Both sides are likely to, along with Villarreal, battle it out for the fourth and final UEFA Champions League berth in Spain's top flight this season.
While La Liga leaders Real Madrid are only six points ahead of the fourth-placed Sevilla, it appears likely that Carlo Ancelotti's men will finish in the top three, alongside Barcelona and defending champions Atletico Madrid.
That leaves just one place to scrap over, and Sevilla are just one point ahead of Valencia in an exciting battle.
That could all change by the end of the Mestalla clash, with recent history also giving Valencia incentive.
Sevilla knocked Valencia out of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last term, needing a stoppage-time goal from Stephane M'Bia in the second leg to send them through to the showpiece.
Sevilla then beat Benfica - who Gomes left to join Valencia in the close-season - in the final on penalties.
"Every game is a big deal to us but there are some that [are] more special" Gomes told Valencia's official website ahead of the match.
"It's going to be a fight to the finish against Sevilla and a few other teams until the end of the season.
"Sevilla are not the only big rival we have. The important thing is that we have the mentality to win.
"The second half of the season is just beginning. It is essential to be in winning form and get three points."
Sevilla have a Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg at Espanyol to contend with on Thursday, meaning Valencia should enter the match the fresher of the two sides.
Both sides are unbeaten in their last six league clashes.
At the top of the table, Real Madrid visit 14th-placed Cordoba and will feel confident about making it three wins in a row.
Real lead second-placed Barcelona by one point.
Luis Enrique's men, who beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 in their Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, go to Elche.
Barca defeated Elche 9-0 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey's last 16 earlier this month.
Rayo Vallecano sit 10th in the league despite having the third-worst defence but they will need to be tight at the back when they visit Atletico Madrid.
Rock-bottom Granada go to fellow strugglers Deportivo La Coruna, while Levante and Almeria - also in the relegation zone - visit Villarreal and Espanyol respectively.
Athletic Bilbao will look to end a six-match winless streak against Malaga on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Real Sociedad battle Eibar and on Monday, Getafe welcome the visit of Celta de Vigo.
Cordoba v Real Madrid: Ancelotti determined to maintain standards
22 January 2015
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has demanded full focus from his side when they take on Cordoba on Saturday.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned his team to remain focused when they return to Liga action on Saturday.
League leaders Real hold a one-point advantage and a game in hand over second-placed Barcelona ahead of a trip to Cordoba this weekend.
By their own lofty standards, the recently-crowned Club World Cup champions have suffered a blip in form in January, ending their 22-match winning run with a 2-1 defeat at Valencia in the league and losing 4-2 on aggregate to city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
However, they returned to winning ways last time out courtesy of a 3-0 win over Getafe and Ancelotti is determined his side maintain the high standards they have set themselves this season.
"We've planned everything to be in top form when it counts, but you can't just look ahead to that moment," the Italian told Marca. "It's a long season and you can't take your eye off the ball."
Real remain without Pepe and Luka Modric, who are each continuing their respective recoveries from injury.
Defender Pepe missed the win over Getafe with a rib problem picked up in the 2-2 Copa del Rey second-leg draw with Atletico, while midfielder Modric has been out since November with a thigh injury.
However, James Rodriguez trained with his team-mates on Thursday after being one of two players - together with Isco - to work separately from the rest of the squad the previous day.
Real are overwhelming favourites to win Saturday’s match at the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel, against a side who lie 14th in the table in their first season back in the top-flight in 42 years.
Miroslav Djukic's men are unbeaten in January, though, having claimed back-to-back victories over Granada and Rayo Vallecano prior to a 1-1 home draw against Eibar last time out.
After climbing out of the relegation zone as a result of their good form, Cordoba host Real in high spirits.
According to goalkeeper Juan Carlos, recent results have shown that his side can compete at the very top level.
"We have a tough schedule but we are fine and we've shown we can compete with all the teams," the 27-year-old told the club's official website.
"We have to do our job and we have to do it right. You have to compete at 200%."
While Real have yet to draw a Liga match this term, Cordoba have been involved in more stalemates than any other team in the division.
Elche v Barcelona: Suarez backed as Catalans seek to extend winning run
22 January 2015
Luis Suarez has received the backing of coach Luis Enrique as Barcelona head to Elche hoping to record another convincing win.
Barcelona will turn their attentions back to the pursuit of La Liga leaders Real Madrid when they aim to record another convincing victory over Elche on Saturday.
Second-placed Barca trail their fierce rivals by one point – a margin that could increase to four when Real, who have a game in hand, take on Cordoba two hours before Luis Enrique's side take to the field at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
The Catalan club are on a five-game winning streak, including a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.
That tie was set up by a quarter-final victory over Saturday's opponents by a 9-0 aggregate scoreline, which included a 4-0 win in Elche a week ago with a largely second-string side.
Fran Escriba's team are likely to be facing a full-strength Barcelona this weekend, with forward Luis Suarez - this week given the backing of his coach following a slow start to his career at Camp Nou - among the star names at Luis Enrique's disposal.
Suarez has managed just two goals in 11 Liga appearances to date, a modest return following his goalscoring exploits at Liverpool, for whom he scored 31 goals in 37 games last season.
However, the Uruguayan - a scorer in the first leg of his side's cup triumph over Elche - is set to continue in attack alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi, who scored his 29th goal of the season in all competitions during Wednesday's win over Atletico.
"I have no doubt that the goals will come," said Luis Enrique when questioned on the output of Suarez.
Messi, Andres Iniesta and Dani Alves trained inside and separately from the rest of the Barca squad on Thursday to work on "specific treatments".
Midfielder Xavi, meanwhile, will hope to gain a recall to the starting XI after coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over Atletico following a four-game absence with a calf injury.
Elche are 16th in La Liga with 17 points from 19 games, although they have won their last two league matches, triumphing 2-1 at Athletic Bilbao prior to a 1-0 home victory over Levante.
Midfielder Mario Pasalic, who is on loan at the club from Chelsea, says that this recent run has given them hope that they can upset the odds and achieve a shock result against Barca.
"Barcelona are favourites and we have nothing to lose, but I think we can get a good result if we all give 100 per cent and believe in ourselves," said Pasalic.
