Despite sitting top of LaLiga, reigning champions Real Madrid may feel like they have a lot to prove when they host Atletico Madrid on Saturday with their in-form city rivals eager to seize the momentum in the title race and leapfrog them in the table.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid meet in their second derby of the season with the Liga lead on the line and the focus on refereeing. Real Madrid has spent the days ahead of Saturday's match complaining of mistakes against the club.

Atlético Madrid have mocked Real Madrid in a social media post ahead of Saturday's Madrid derby in response to Real's pressure tactics directed at officials.

La Liga has won a court battle over the commercial rights to the term “El Clasico” against Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two clubs who play in the fixture. Madrid’s Audiencia Provincial court has ruled against a bid by Madrid and Barcelona to trademark the term “El Clásico” as it conflicts with the trademark “ELCLÁSICO,

FC Barcelona legend Gerard Pique took a dig at his boyhood club's bitter rival Real Madrid , and said that a statement released by Los Blancos is a "smokescreen".

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was happy that his team moved within four points of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid with Sunday's 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves, but remained aware that the pressure was still on Barca to catch up in the title race.