Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez is excited going into today 's match with Barcelona.

It will be his first El Clasico as Real coach.

"It's my first Clásico with the first team. The team come into it in good shape; they're excited and looking forward to it. We're aware of the importance of any game against Barcelona and of getting all three points. The same is on the line for me as for Real Madrid as a whole: three very important points to be up there challenging for the title right to the end.

"[Karim] Benzema is in the squad, he trained well and is part of the group. We still have to decide whether he plays or not, but he's part of the group. We'll assess how he feels in every respect and make a decision with him over whether or not he plays.

"Real Madrid have a way of playing, which is attacking and trying to score goals, and we do that regardless of the opposition. We don't focus so much on our opponents. When we're playing at our stadium with our home fans behind us, I always think that Real Madrid are favourites, but we're up against a fantastic side."