Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo admits tomorrow's clash at Barcelona could be decisive in the title race.
Last season there was a 25-point gap between the two Spanish superpowers and Valencia in third come the end of the campaign, with Barca finishing three points clear of Madrid after winning both meetings with the capital club.
With that in mind, it could be that the two encounters this season will again be crucial.
Ronaldo said: "That could be the case, or it might not be, it's unknown. We will play to win, it's a very important game, we want to win. Will it be decisive? We'll see what happens during the season.
"I hope it's a completely different story (this season). We haven't lost this season, and this is important because it gives you confidence, but neither can we be relaxed because we know it will be difficult.
"I'm confident because the team are in good form, the coach (Jose Mourinho) has given us confidence, and we hope to get a good result."
