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LFP: Madrid hoping to get back on track

After having the unfamiliar sensation of losing three games in a row, Spanish league leaders Real Madrid will be hoping to get back on track at lowly Recreativo Huelva today.

Real's nine-point lead at the start of last month has dwindled to just two points and the reigning Spanish champions will have to win at Spain's oldest club to ensure that they are not toppled from pole position by rivals Barcelona.

"Three weeks ago we had an advantage that we don't have now, that's a disappointment," Real club captain Raul Gonzalez said on Wednesday. "However, I've always thought that the league would really be decided in May, in the last five games."

Real have 56 points from 25 games, with 13 fixtures still left, while Barcelona now have 54 points.

The problem for Real coach Bernd Schuster is that there is a danger Raul and his colleagues could be looking beyond Recreativo, who lie fourth from bottom just one place above the relegation zone, and thinking about the visit of Roma.

The nine-time kings of Europe have to claw back a 2-1 loss at the Italian club last week when they host the second leg of their Champions League last 16 match on Wednesday.

"We haven't thrown in the towel in any competition. There are a lot of dreams invested in what we can do this season. Now is the time to bounce back," the Real captain said.

Two men who could aid Real's recovery from their doldrums are Brazilian winger Robinho and Portuguese defender Pepe, who have been passed fit to face Recreativo after being out of action for three and five weeks respectively.

Pepe is expected to slot straight back into the middle of the back four, while Robinho might be switched to the right flank to fill the gap left by Ruud van Nistelrooy, with Raul becoming the main target man.

Van Nistelrooy has been struggling with a sore right ankle for three weeks and Real medical officials insisted on Wednesday that last season's top scorer in the Spanish first division finally give his troublesome joint a rest.

Barcelona are unbeaten this year in any competition and can boast of a 15-game unbeaten streak, which they will look to extend when they visit fourth-placed Atletico Madrid today.

They romped to a 6-0 win there last season and all five men who scored -- with Lionel Messi getting a brace in addition to goals from Gianluca Zambrotta, Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta -- should start again.

In addition to that unnerving prospect, Atletico also have only one win in their last six league outings to their name.

"We need to go into Saturday's match concentrating and without desperation, because we'll need to be a solid unit ready to fight in what will be a difficult match," Atletico striker Maxi Rodriguez said on Thursday.

Rodriguez was honest enough to admit that the Atletico players are well aware they in a slump.

"Crisis? No, but there is a negative streak," Rodriguez said.

One bit of good news for Atletico coach Javier Aguirre is that his teenage Argentine striker Kun Aguero may be fit to face Barca.

Aguero broke down in training on Wednesday with what initially looked like a torn muscle in his left hamstring, but Atletico doctors said on Thursday it was only a slight strain and he could recover by today.
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