Manager Carlo Ancelotti admits his Real Madrid side cannot afford to drop any points if they are to beat Barcelona to the La Liga title.

Barca extended their lead over the capital club to five points with a 6-0 demolition of Getafe at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night.

It put down another marker to their great rivals that they intend to keep going right to the end of the season to reclaim the Spanish crown.

And it will be down to Real to respond on Wednesday, as they entertain Almeria at the Bernabeu and can be backed at 1.07 to claim the points with the visitors on offer at 34.00.

It has become a two-horse race for the title with champions Atletico Madrid just too far back to have a say in proceedings despite another excellent campaign.

The Catalans are favourites to win yet another top flight title, and Ancelotti knows that only a perfect run-in will give Real any chance of glory.

“Our objective in La Liga is to win all the remaining games,” he said. “It’s a point in the season where every game is life or death. We have to prepare for this match with this thought.”

Gareth Bale has reportedly been making good progress in his return from injury but is unlikely to be rushed back for the midweek clash, with the Champions League semi-final against Juventus now on the horizon.

Keylor Navas is set to start in goal with Iker Casillas rested, while Jese Rodriguez is also expected to return for a game that the hosts will be expected to take at a canter.