Real have won two Champions Leagues in the last three years, but have been frustrated by Barcelona’s recent domestic hegemony, and many of their players have spoken about prioritising their title chase this year.
Unbeaten in all competitions this season, they lead Barcelona and third-placed Sevilla by six points at the top of the standings going into Saturday’s Clasico, where a win would open up a nine-point lead over Luis Enrique’s stuttering side.
Barca have made their worst start to a season since 2004/05 and have drawn three of their last four games in all competitions, failing to beat Malaga and Real Sociedad in their last league outings.
