Barcelona will be aiming to open up a seven-point lead at the top of LaLiga table when they welcome Europe-chasing Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp is "very happy" in his current post at Red Bull despite rumours linking him to a return to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday.
Real Madrid suffered their 12th defeat of the season, by contrast to just two across the whole of the previous campaign.
Real have failed to claim a Champions League win in their three meetings with English side Arsenal, who are aiming for their first semi-final appearance since 2009.
A violent tackle that had Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe sent off in their 1-0 LaLiga win at Deportivo Alaves on Sunday was a consequence of a number of small fouls committed against the Frenchman, said assistant coach Davide Ancelotti.
"I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear. Whatever it is, it will be talked about at the end of the season," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.
"The possibilities (of qualifying) are quite low, but we have to try 100%," he told reporters
Real Madrid have set the bar sky high with six Champions League titles in a decade and their demanding fans have been voicing concerns as last year's European and Spanish champions struggle for consistency this season.
Wednesday’s high-voltage Champions League first-leg quarterfinals lineup will feature defending champions Real Madrid taking on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Here we take a look at a few highlights ahead of the contest:
Ancelotti rested several key starters ahead of Saturday's LaLiga derby against Atletico Madrid and next-week's Champions League playoff clash at Manchester City.
The holders will face either Celtic or Manchester City in the two-legged playoff on February, with the second leg at home.
The reigning champions of Europe are ensured of their place in at least the knockout play-off round as the league phase of the revamped Champions League wraps up with its final matchday this week.
Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti was overjoyed with Kylian Mbappe's first hat-trick for the club as they beat bottom side Real Valladolid 3-0 away on Saturday to extend their lead atop LaLiga to four points.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti quashed rumours regarding the future of star forward Vinicius Junior on Friday, saying the Brazilian is committed to staying with the reigning European and Spanish champions.
Ancelotti heaped praise on his forwards, with Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo scoring twice either side of a goal by Kylian Mbappe as last year's winners secured a spot in the knockout stage.
The Italian coach said that he was never in doubt that the 26-year-old forward was going to find his form despite a slow start in the Spanish capital after arriving from Paris St Germain, playing in a more centralised role up front.
Aurelien Tchouameni dropped out of Real Madrid's squad to face Las Palmas in La Liga on Sunday "due to discomfort in his left leg", said the Spanish champions in a statement.
The former Paris Saint-Germain superstar struggled to find his top level after completing his dream move last summer but now has 16 goals in 29 games across all competitions.
Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered during the club's 5-2 Copa del Rey win over Celta Viga, the club said Friday.
