Santiago Solari declared La Liga glory is still up for grabs after his Real Madrid side claimed a 3-1 win at city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Goals from Casemiro and substitute Gareth Bale – his 100th for the club – either side of a coolly converted penalty from captain Sergio Ramos moved Madrid a point ahead of their neighbours and up to second in the standings.
Barcelona are still five points better off and can extend their lead further when they travel to face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
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However, with Madrid resurgent and a Clasico clash at Santiago Bernabeu coming up before the end of the month, Solari suggested he smells blood.