Both sides have seven games to go with a complicated fixture list offering no margin for error. Also, the Champions League has the potential to complicate things for both contenders. Real Madrid face Atlético and Barça take on PSG. The 'Azulgranas' host Valencia between the first and second legs, whilst 'Los Blancos' are at home to Málaga in what will be the first chance for Carlo Ancelotti's men to retake the top spot.
The 'Culés' then visit Espanyol, Cordoba and the Vicente Calderón, with home games against Getafe, Real Sociedad and Deportivo.
Real still have to travel to Balaídos, the Sánchez Pizjuán and Cornellà, whilst playing Almería, Valencia and Getafe on home turf. Interestingly, the two teams have fairly similar runs of fixtures.
Sergio Busquets was one of the players who mentioned the task facing Barça after the Sevilla thriller. "We've got a tough run of games coming", said the midfielder, who also regretted slipping up and allowing Real to close the gap: "The advantage is less than a game now, but we have to approach the league the same way we have done up until now, going for the three points, even though we have some tough grounds still to visit."
