Barcelona: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has played down his side's title hopes, insisting that catching Real Madrid will now be even more difficult than it was when they were 10 points behind their great rivals.
After seemingly being out of contention, the second-placed Catalans have come to within four points of Madrid, who have drawn three of their last five games in La Liga, with seven rounds to play.
However, Guardiola insists that Barcelona's task has not actually become any easier in recent weeks.
"They can drop points, but we cannot,” the former Spain international told reporters at a press conference on Monday. “It's a lot more difficult now than when we were behind by 10 points. It appears as though we already have the title, but four points is a lot against this Madrid. There's a lot of work to do. No team in the history of the league have fought back to overturn a 10-point lead against Madrid and therefore it is almost impossible for us to be champions."
Guardiola also rejected the assumptions that the in-form Barcelona would definitely defeat Madrid when the two sides meet at Camp Nou later this month.
"The three points against Madrid are by no means won," he pointed out. "Madrid are coming and we're aware that we can lose the three points. Some take for granted we will beat them. If so, you are confused."
Barca, though, can reduce their arrears to just a solitary point if they defeat Getafe at Camp Nou on Tuesday, with Madrid set to take on Atletico Madrid the following evening. Guardiola said the reigning champions are unlikely to be at full strength for the visit of Luis Garcia's side.
“Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are both doubtful for tomorrow's match,” the 41-year-old revealed. “At this moment they are not match-fit."
Guardiola has led Barcelona to 13 titles since taking charge of the club in the summer of 2008.
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