MADRID: Real Madrid is “obliged” to beat Barcelona on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) if they are to maintain any hope of retaining their La Liga title, according to Real captain Sergio Ramos. “We are obliged to win more than ever for the situation we are in to try to keep ourselves in the fight for La Liga.”For the first time an El Clasico will kick-off at lunchtime as La Liga seeks more attention from Asian viewers. However, the Welshman returned to play his part in the Club World Cup success with the semi-final winner over Al Jazira. “He is 100 percent, he trained today and that is all that interests me,” said Zidane, who unlike Ramos has tried to play down suggestions Madrid must win to remain in the title race. But, since then, the Catalans have bounced back under new coach Ernesto Valverde to go 24 games unbeaten in all competitions.

Source: Manila Times December 23, 2017 13:52 UTC