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El Clasico won't decide La Liga title, says Barcelona boss Luis Enrique

The fierce rivals meet tonight in huge La Liga clash

Samuel Stevens
Sunday 22 March 2015 16:42 GMT
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Newly appointed Barcelona manager Luis Enrique tries out his  seat at the Nou Camp today
Newly appointed Barcelona manager Luis Enrique tries out his seat at the Nou Camp today

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique insists tonight's El Clasico against bitter rivals Real Madrid will not decide the outcome of the La Liga title race.

The Catalan club are top of the Spanish league, with eleven games remaining, and can boast a one point advantage over Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid.

"It's an important game but not a decisive one," said Enrique, who played for both sides during an illustrious career.

"These games are certainly different to any others. They are our eternal rivals. There's also our head-to-head goal difference."

Ancelotti has faced calls to be sacked after a decidedly average patch of form, but former star David Beckham has publicly backed him.

Enrique added: "There are no clear favourites in games like these. But playing in front of our own fans always gives us that extra boost. This is a nice chance to put some space between us.

"It's not quite as intense as a manager. You have to control what's happening on the pitch. It's more about keeping your cool and making decisions at the right time."

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