There are only 10 days to go before El Clasico at the Camp Nou and only a single point separates La Liga leaders Real Madrid from rampant rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid would have to struggle to defeat Atletico Madrid.Barcelona had a great night on Tuesday. Goals from Alexis Sanchez, Pedro Rodriguez and Lionel Messi inspired the Catalans to a straightforward victory at the Camp Nou.

Getafe were given absolutely no chance; statistics speak volumes. Barcelona enjoyed 76 per cent of possession time and had 7 shots on goal while Getafe left goalkeeper Victor Valdes with no strike to save throughout the 90 minutes.

The title comeback is truly on for the reigning La Liga champions who have now won each of their last 10 league matches. Los Blancos are consequently under pressure to restore their 4-point advantage on Wednesday night.

 

“Madrid have lost the 10-point advantage they had. They are only four points above Barcelona and this [derby] match could make a big difference,” ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Francisco Buyo remarked when talking to the press ahead of Wednesday’s clash.

Jose Mourinho’s men will play at the Vicente Calderon where Atletico Madrid have won the totality of their fixtures since their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on February 26. Atletico have a decent home record having lost only twice in 15 La Liga matches this season. They will fancy their chance to clinch their 10th victory at the Vicente Calderon.

The hosts have not beaten Real Madrid since 1999 but the outcome of Wednesday’s local derby could prove different. Radio MARCA quoted Brazilian midfielder Diego as saying:

“We will be facing the best team in the league but we'll go for the win and we'll see what happens. Madrid are not invincible, but they are the leaders and you have to respect them.

“However, we must not forget that we are at home and that must motivate us. It is clear that going this long without beating Madrid is not normal, but we're not obsessed. We are very motivated and we hope to end the streak.”

Real Madrid are yet to find the net since reaching 100 goals in La Liga against Osasuna on March 31. The mouth-watering duel in tonight’s match will see Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao sacrifice their strength on the pitch. Colombian striker Falcao is third in the top scorers chart with 20 goals. Portuguese superstar Ronaldo is a goal shy from hitting 50 in all competitions.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid is a key battle for both sides involved. How will this derby turn out?

“I am betting on a 2-1 victory for Atletico,” Rojiblanco legend Paulo Futre told reporters before issuing a warning to giants Real Madrid:

“On Wednesday, we will play a final because we are still dreaming about being in the Champions League. This will be a final for Atletico and a match to upset Madrid.”

How the top of La Liga's table looks like ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid

POS.   TEAM MP W D L GF GA D P
PRIMERA DIVISIÓN 2011/2012
1   Real Madrid 31 25 4 2 100 27 +73 79
2   Barcelona 32 24 6 2 94 23 +71 78
3 Málaga 31 15 5 11 47 43 +4 50
4 Valencia 31 13 10 8 46 37 +9 49
5   Levante 31 14 6 11 44 41 +3 48
6   Osasuna 32 11 13 8 37 52 -15 46
7   Atlético Madrid 31 11 9 11 42 37 +5 42
8   Sevilla 31 11 9 11 36 33 +3 42
9   Espanyol 32 11 9 12 39 43 -4 42
10   Getafe 32 11 9 12 33 43 -10 42