Real Madrid: 73, Barcelona: 75
Loss can never be justified in the last weeks of a dramatic season.
Real Madrid host Malaga this Saturday to ensure they remain in the title race. Real Madrid lie two points behind Luis Enrique's Barcelona who take on Valencia later today.
Carlo Ancelotti, who has insisted in midweek that Real Madrid may not offer an extension if things go worse at the end of the season, will look to put off weight from his shoulder with a win.
The match is one final test before the highly awaited Champions League reverse fixture against Atletico Madrid. With seven games left in the league, Real Madrid hope Valencia will stun Catalans at Camp Nou.
With Casillas starting at goal, Real Madrid look for a stable defence and a momentous attack.
Casillas
Carvajal---------------------Varane-----------------------Ramos-------------------------Marcelo
Modric--------------------Kroos----------------------James
Isco------------------------Benzema------------------Ronaldo
Bale should be dropped and Isco should start at right flank. Ronaldo must come down from the box and swap from an attacker to a winger. Real Madrid must practise their old-fashioned counter attacking football.
If Real Madrid win and Barcelona draw, then both teams lie 76 points and Real lead at head-to-head basis. If both teams win, then things remain same. If Real draw or lose, then league may be declared over.
The match is expected to start at 20:00 CET at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The live coverage will be availabe in Bein Sports, SkySports, Canal+.