Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Real Madrid will probably have to win all of their games in order to beat Barcelona in this season’s Liga title race.
The Blancos currently sit second in the standings, two points behind their Catalan rivals with six rounds remaining.
With Barca in fine form, having won 22 of their last 24 games in al competitions, Ancelotti feels that Madrid will most likely require a flawless finish to the season in order to come out on top.
“Our aim is to keep the race alive for as long as possible,” he told reporters. “Both sides have difficult games left.
“At the moment both sides are playing for a lot, and that means that every game is difficult.
“Barcelona have an advantage. We have to try and win all our games to force them to also win.”
Ancelotti was speaking after his side’s 3-1 victory over Malaga on Saturday, which came courtesy of goals from Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Roanldo.
The Italian was pleased with his side’s collective performance but he singled midfielders James, Isco and Toni Kroos out for special praise.
“They played well,” Ancelotti added. “James was the best, he gave a lot of quality to the side.
“Isco did not have such a great first half but then he played very well in the second half.
“What I most liked is that the players fought and gave everything they had, that is what we needed this match.”
Madrid now turn their attention back to the Champions League and Wednesday’s quarter-final, second-leg clash with Atletico, which is beautifully balanced after last week’s scoreless draw at the Vicente Calderon.