As anticipation builds ahead of the pivotal clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the 35th round of La Liga, Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has weighed in on the magnitude of the upcoming fixture — and what it could mean for the title race.

In a candid assessment of the situation, Ancelotti admitted:

“This will be a very important match. Decisive, or almost. If we win, we will take a big step forward, but La Liga will still be in Barcelona’s hands. We will fight.

“The final in Seville was very competitive. There is no need to invent anything. We must be serious, and we are going with full confidence.”

With three games to go until the end of the season, Real Madrid find themselves four points behind Barcelona.