Carlo Ancelotti has mused that he is not surprised by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s performance in the League, as ‘you need 100 points’ to win it.
Real Madrid find themselves five points behind the duo in the title race after a weekend draw to Osasuna.
“The level in La Liga is very high. There are only two teams with 43 points from their games,” reflected Ancelotti to reporters today.
“To win this League you need about 100 points. We will try to do our best. It is not a surprise.
“I don't think we had a bad game against Osasuna, although the result was not good. The first 20 minutes were the best of this team.
“Would I make the same changes that I made in Pamplona again? Why are you asking this? Is it beclaise you did not like them? I will explain.
“Di Maria came on for Bale in order to change the way we play. To use the same system with 10 that we used against Galatasaray. With Di Maria we played 4-3-2.
“Then, Nacho came on for Modric so that Alonso could play in midfield and have more effect, whilst Jese came on for Isco to occupy the wings.”
Madrid are facing a selection crisis in defence ahead of the weekend, with Pepe and Sergio Ramos suspended and Raphael Varane still out with his knee.
“We will decide the line up we'll use against Valencia after tomorrow's game. We have Nacho, Arbeloa and Llorente in defence.
“I don't know if Bale will play on Sunday. I think he suffered a small knock but we have to find out. Ramos suffered small back injury when he was warming up against Osasuna. I trust that he will be able to play on Sunday and that if he doesn’t, it won’t be for a physical problem.”
Ancelotti was talking ahead of facing Olimpic Xativa in the second leg of their Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash and he gave his intended starting XI.
“We need to continue in this competition. It is an important competition. We have to do well with intensity and good play.”
Real Madrid team to play Xativa Olimpic: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Nacho, Arbeloa; Illarramendi, Casemiro; De Maria, Isco, Jese; Morata