Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant this season’s La Liga title will once again be a tale of two teams, despite his Real Madrid side sitting in third position, eight points behind leaders Barcelona and five from Atletico Madrid.
“I’m sure it will be just the two of us, I don’t want to rule out anyone else, but I think it will be between us and Barca again,” he said.
“I don’t remember in the last ten years a rivalry like the one we have, it’s good for the game.
“Football fans are enjoying something unique, players from the past say that this league is harder than ever so I think the Spanish league is the best in the world right now, with the best two teams and the best players.” he told CNN.
On Sunday, Madrid face a tough trip to Levante as they attempt to close the gap on Barca, who must quickly recover from the midweek Champions League defeat at Celtic with an away game at Mallorca.
Levante has proven to be a difficult place for Madrid in recent seasons, having lost 1-0 last term after a 0-0 draw there in 2010. And Ronaldo may be asked to play as the lone striker as Jose Mourinho’s side go into the game with key strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema definitely out. Portuguese full-back Fabio Coentrao is back in training and could play some part after a long absence.
Spain international Gerard Pique may start for Barca after seven weeks out with an ankle injury.
Barca have shipped 14 goals in 11 games, despite only one loss at Celtic.
Coach Tito Vilanova is looking to steadily improve all aspects of his defence after suffering further injuries to defenders Adriano, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba since the season began.
“I’m sure it will be just the two of us, I don’t want to rule out anyone else, but I think it will be between us and Barca again,” he said.
“I don’t remember in the last ten years a rivalry like the one we have, it’s good for the game.
“Football fans are enjoying something unique, players from the past say that this league is harder than ever so I think the Spanish league is the best in the world right now, with the best two teams and the best players.” he told CNN.
On Sunday, Madrid face a tough trip to Levante as they attempt to close the gap on Barca, who must quickly recover from the midweek Champions League defeat at Celtic with an away game at Mallorca.
Levante has proven to be a difficult place for Madrid in recent seasons, having lost 1-0 last term after a 0-0 draw there in 2010. And Ronaldo may be asked to play as the lone striker as Jose Mourinho’s side go into the game with key strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema definitely out. Portuguese full-back Fabio Coentrao is back in training and could play some part after a long absence.
Spain international Gerard Pique may start for Barca after seven weeks out with an ankle injury.
Barca have shipped 14 goals in 11 games, despite only one loss at Celtic.
Coach Tito Vilanova is looking to steadily improve all aspects of his defence after suffering further injuries to defenders Adriano, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba since the season began.