Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas admits time is running out to cut Barcelona's 11-point lead.
Madrid face Real Valladolid this weekend.
"We have targets set for the end of the year," the Spain goalkeeper told the club's official website. "It is perhaps a pity that the distance between us and Atletico in the league, despite having reduced it last weekend, and with Barcelona, is quite big.
"But we have made it through to the next round of the Champions League; between now and February there will be time to prepare.
"Now we want to focus on the league and cut the points difference with the teams above, and keep getting through the rounds in the Copa del Rey."