Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos admits knowing Raul has been crucial in their success since his appointment. The pair share the same agent and Ramos says: "Raul is everything for Madrid and is the soul of the team. He helped me a lot when I arrived at the club to get to know the players, the institution.

"Whenever the team needs something, there is Raul. If he has to play at the back or on the wing he does so without problems."

The Real coach added: "We play the derby on Saturday against Atletico and can cut Barcelona's lead further. We will not abandon the Liga. We're going to leave our last drop of blood in the Liga and Champions League."