MADRID - Four weeks ago the Spanish Liga seemed virtually decided, with Real Madrid enjoying a massive 10-point lead over champions Barcelona.
But Jose Mourinho's team have won just two of their last five games, while Barca have taken maximum points and cut Real's lead down to four points.
An online poll taken by the Marca sports daily website of Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Valencia showed that no less than 79% of readers now consider Barca favourites for the title.
Anything less than a convincing win away to rivals Atletico tomorrow will create a massive crisis for Mourinho and his players, who also face a visit to Barcelona later in the month.
Atletico have not beaten Real since 1999. They are stranded in seventh place after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Levante, and will be without suspended players Miranda, Mario Suarez and Eduardo Salvio.
Real will have Sergio Ramos back from suspension and Angel di Maria - who came off the subs' bench against Valencia - back from injury.
By the time the Madrid derby kicks off, Real's lead will probably be down to one point because Barca should have few problems at home to Getafe today.
Pep Guardiola's team are in unstoppable form and have won their last nine games, with Lionel Messi scoring goals almost at will.
In addition to the Barca-Getafe clash, today will also see Osasuna against Espanyol and Real Sociedad take on Betis.
Tomorrow's other games are Granada vs Athletic Bilbao, Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano and Sporting Gijon vs Levante.
The midweek round concludes on Thursday with Villarreal vs Malaga, Santander vs Mallorca and Sevilla vs Zaragoza.
Real's top spot under threat
MADRID - Four weeks ago the Spanish Liga seemed virtually decided, with Real Madrid enjoying a massive 10-point lead over champions Barcelona.
But Jose Mourinho's team have won just two of their last five games, while Barca have taken maximum points and cut Real's lead down to four points.
An online poll taken by the Marca sports daily website of Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Valencia showed that no less than 79% of readers now consider Barca favourites for the title.
Anything less than a convincing win away to rivals Atletico tomorrow will create a massive crisis for Mourinho and his players, who also face a visit to Barcelona later in the month.
Atletico have not beaten Real since 1999. They are stranded in seventh place after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Levante, and will be without suspended players Miranda, Mario Suarez and Eduardo Salvio.
Real will have Sergio Ramos back from suspension and Angel di Maria - who came off the subs' bench against Valencia - back from injury.
By the time the Madrid derby kicks off, Real's lead will probably be down to one point because Barca should have few problems at home to Getafe today.
Pep Guardiola's team are in unstoppable form and have won their last nine games, with Lionel Messi scoring goals almost at will.
In addition to the Barca-Getafe clash, today will also see Osasuna against Espanyol and Real Sociedad take on Betis.
Tomorrow's other games are Granada vs Athletic Bilbao, Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano and Sporting Gijon vs Levante.
The midweek round concludes on Thursday with Villarreal vs Malaga, Santander vs Mallorca and Sevilla vs Zaragoza.
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