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5 hours ago
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Real Madrid face a season-defining trip to Barcelona on May 11 in their final chance to defend the La Liga title.
With four games left to play in the 2024/25 season, Carlo Ancelotti's side remain four points behind their El Clasico rivals, ahead of an all-or-nothing clash in Catalonia.
Ancelotti has lost three times to Hansi Flick already this season, with a 4-0 home La Liga defeat, alongside losses in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals.
The Italian coach has effectively confirmed he will leave the Spanish capital at the end of the month with Xabi Alonso set to step in as his replacement at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Both sides suffered scares in this weekend's La Liga action, as Barcelona rallied to scrap out a 2-1 win at relegated Real Valladolid, and Los Blancos battled out a 3-2 home win over Celta Vigo.
Ancelotti's charges were in cruise control at 3-0 up with 30 minutes to play, but they were penned back late on, as Thibaut Courtois dragged them over the line to victory.
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The feeling of living on their nerves has become a familiar sensation for Ancelotti in recent weeks with midfield star Fede Valverde hinting at the schedule starting to catch up with the squad.
The Uruguayan voiced his frustration once more after the Celta victory and admitted the campaign now rests on a win on the road against Barcelona.
"These 'disconnects' within the team cannot keep on happening," as per quotes from Real Madrid TV, via Marca.
"They have happened too many times in La Liga and in the Champions League this season, we must improve.
"El Clasico is our last chance, it is the most important game of the season."
Real Madrid were humbled in their previous league meeting with Barcelona as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal all scored at the Bernabeu.
However, Ancelotti won home and away in league action against his old foes in 2023/24, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winner in both matches.
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