Real Madrid did their chances of catching Barcelona no favours as they slumped to a shocking 4-2 defeat against Girona on Tuesday.
The gap between the two Clasico rivals is approaching an insurmountable level but Real are still technically in the La Liga title race, while the Champions League remains a very realistic consolation prize.
Oh, and they’ve got a Copa del Rey final to play, too.
Los Blancos are back in serene La Liga action at the weekend as they host an Almeria side battling against relegation.
This fixture very much gives off a calm-before-the-storm feel for Real.
Ancelotti’s side are again in midweek action, and this time they’re making the trip to San Sebastian to face the neutral’s favourite.
Real Sociedad are a delight to watch and it’d be great to see them in the Champions League next season for what would be just their third campaign in Europe’s premier club competition. Imanol’s side are in the midst of a thrilling battle for fourth spot, but they’ve opened up a healthy buffer over Real Betis, Villarreal, and Athletic Club in the race.
Victory here would be huge for the hosts and all but end the visitors’ title hopes.
Real Madrid haven’t got on with the Copa del Rey in recent years. They’ve often had bigger fish to fry. A resounding victory over Barcelona in the second leg of their semi-final tie, however, has seen them progress into the final for the first time since 2014.
Osasuna are their opponents in the competition’s showpiece event; a club searching for their first piece of major silverware.
While victory in the Copa del Rey final would be a neat little bonus for Los Blancos, their 2022/23 campaign largely boils down to this Champions League semi-final tie against Man City.
After easing past Liverpool and Chelsea, Real face their third consecutive English opponents on their continental journey as they attempt to go back-to-back following last season’s miraculous campaign.
Man City are firing on all cylinders right now, but Real’s pedigree in this competition renders this an even tie.
This fixture will likely feel pretty irrelevant given that it’s sandwiched between the two semi-final legs, and Ancelotti is certain to rest a whole host of starters for Getafe’s visit.
Even a rotated Real side should overcome a Getafe outfit currently flirting with the prospect of the second tier.
It was the Etihad that played host to the thrilling semi-final first leg last season, but Real will visit Manchester for the return leg this time around.
It’s unlikely that the contest will be decided at the Bernabeu, so this bout should be a belter. Many expect the winner of this tie to beat whichever Milan club advances into the final on 10 June.
