Real Madrid lost the first La Liga Clasico of the season against Barcelona by a 2-1 decision at the Camp Nou in late October, but are unbeaten in all competitions since.

Real hopes to extend their La Liga lead over Barcelona to seven points with just nine games remaining.

Atlético Madrid, however, remains in second place and could still challenge either club.

“For sure we are arriving in better form than the first meeting,” Carlo Ancelotti said in comments reported by the club’s official website. “I think that, in general, we are very excited about this team. We have improved a lot. The atmosphere is good and healthy. We are very excited and motivated.

“The match is very difficult, but we are confident. It will be an open game, but I do not think it will decide La Liga because Atletico are there too. I think this league will be decided in the last match. We have to play our best football because to beat Barcelona you have to play at 100 percent.”

“We are playing well, with a lot of confidence and we're on a good run,” Gareth Bale said. “Now we have to prepare really well for the next match against Barcelona. They are a direct rival and we are going to try and put in a good performance and take the three points. They have very good players, but we are focused on our game and on our team because we also have very good players."