Carlo Ancelotti has said he now does not consider Barcelona "a direct rival" for the LaLiga title, with Real Madrid top of the table and Barca 18 points behind them in eighth place.
Madrid have won 10 consecutive games in all competitions -- including against top four contenders Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Sevilla -- while Barca have dropped points against Real Betis and Osasuna in their last two matches under new coach Xavi Hernandez.
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