Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu last night saw Los Blancos move level on points with Atletico de Madrid at the top of La Liga, albeit having played a game more.
They leapfrogged Barcelona, who warmed up for the Copa del Rey final in the worst possible fashion, losing 1-0 to Granada, and now facing a crisis at the club. The players are being criticised by the Catalan press for not making enough effort, while manager Tato Martino is under enormous pressure to save his job.
The Madrid press this morning looks at both matches – hailing Madrid for continuing to fight on all fronts despite missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s the second weekend in a row that they have missed their talisman in La Liga and the second consecutive league game they’ve won 4-0. Meanwhile, they describe Barcelona as being a shadow of their former selves.
Looking ahead to the Copa del Rey final, AS has an update on the fitness situation in the squad. Sergio Ramos will be fit to return on Wednesday night having missed the game last night due to a problem with his trapezius muscle. Marcelo will not be ready, despite making a return to training. Ancelotti will have Xabi Alonso and Daniel Carvajal available again after sitting out the Almeria game through suspension.