Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini insists the second-half of the season has them set up for a title push.

Pellegrini is refusing to panic though, pointing out there is plenty of the season left and that they have now played most of their toughest away games.

"There is a lot of the league remaining, the whole second half of the season," he said. "There are 60 points left to play for, so nothing has been decided.

"The most important thing now is that we beat Malaga.

"In this first half of the season we've played against important teams away from home," added the Chilean, whose side have gone to Barca, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal and now Athletic.

"The team is looking very strong in every aspect. We are not going to lack either the spirit or the desire to hunt for the title."