Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti does not think Barcelona's shock defeat at Granada will have any bearing on Wednesday's Copa del Rey final between the arch rivals.
The reigning Primera Division champions went down 1-0 in Andalusia on Saturday, allowing Ancelotti's men to climb into second place -- level on points with leaders Atletico, who visit Getafe on Sunday -- with a 4-0 home win over Almeria in the late kick-off.
While things may be hotting up at the summit of La Liga, attention now turns to the midweek cup final at the Mestalla. And Ancelotti reckons Gerardo Martino's side will not be affected by Saturday's setback.
"It was a surprise because Barcelona has more quality than Granada, but at this time of the season all teams are fighting for a goal and those fighting for salvation are the most dangerous,'' he said at his post-match news conference. "I think Barcelona are thinking they can still win the league.
"There are many surprises in this league, and I think they will fight to the end. It will not change the dynamic of Wednesday's match. In our heads, we do not consider what will happen with the other teams. We must look at our games. We have an incredibly important match on Wednesday, and we don't have time to think about anything else.''
The Italian paid tribute to the fans, after having walked over to greet them at the full-time whistle at the Bernabeu.
"It was to thank a group that has really helped the team,'' he said. "The atmosphere in the stadium was great, and that is important because it helps us give our all. Having fans that help us in all our games is very important for us.''
Angel Di Maria, Gareth Bale, Isco and Alvaro Morata were the men on target against Almeria as Real clinched their third successive league win - a run which has seen them score 13 unanswered goals.
"The team played good football,'' Ancelotti added. ``It was a good game. The goal is to win all the remaining matches.
"It is a very dangerous league and, at this point of the season, all the matches are tough. We are in the fight for every competition. It isn't easy, and we have to give everything in all our matches.''