Juan Ramon Lopez Caro has warned his Real Madrid players not make the same mistakes that they made when Barcelona triumphed in the Bernabeu earlier this season as the two sides prepare to meet this weekend.
The Madrid coach hailed Frank Rijkaard's side as one of the best teams in Europe, but remains confident that his team can go to Camp Nou on Saturday and snatch a victory.
Barca eased to a 3-0 victory in the first game in November when Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring before two glorious solo efforts from Ronaldinho saw the home fans give the Brazilian a standing ovation.
Lopez Caro does not want to make things as easy this time around and is keen to reduce the advantage that their arch enemy currently enjoy at the top of the league.
"Barcelona were spectacular," he said, reflecting on the 3-0 reverse. "But the first goal was a lack of concentration and we have to avoid repeating that again.
"They went ahead and stayed on top.
"The three points would be a relief for us. The last thing we want is to lose and we have a duty to fight until the end. Even cutting the gap to eight points would still mean it was very difficult, but we have to try.
"To win, we should not play with 11 forwards. Balance is fundamental. We are really motivated to finish playing at our best. If we can play like we did against Deportivo then we could make it very difficult for them.
"It will be a very hard game for both sides. Barcelona are playing great football and are on another level. It will be special because they are one of the best teams in Europe. The mental preparation will be intense both for them and us.
"I have seen all week a concentration and a dedication that is incredible in my players. If one trains poorly, then you play poorly. They are up for the game because they are strong. What is most important is personality. Without that, you never win."
The Madrid coach hailed Frank Rijkaard's side as one of the best teams in Europe, but remains confident that his team can go to Camp Nou on Saturday and snatch a victory.
Barca eased to a 3-0 victory in the first game in November when Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring before two glorious solo efforts from Ronaldinho saw the home fans give the Brazilian a standing ovation.
Lopez Caro does not want to make things as easy this time around and is keen to reduce the advantage that their arch enemy currently enjoy at the top of the league.
"Barcelona were spectacular," he said, reflecting on the 3-0 reverse. "But the first goal was a lack of concentration and we have to avoid repeating that again.
"They went ahead and stayed on top.
"The three points would be a relief for us. The last thing we want is to lose and we have a duty to fight until the end. Even cutting the gap to eight points would still mean it was very difficult, but we have to try.
"To win, we should not play with 11 forwards. Balance is fundamental. We are really motivated to finish playing at our best. If we can play like we did against Deportivo then we could make it very difficult for them.
"It will be a very hard game for both sides. Barcelona are playing great football and are on another level. It will be special because they are one of the best teams in Europe. The mental preparation will be intense both for them and us.
"I have seen all week a concentration and a dedication that is incredible in my players. If one trains poorly, then you play poorly. They are up for the game because they are strong. What is most important is personality. Without that, you never win."
