Barcelona host Real Madrid with LaLiga title firmly in their sights

MADRID - Barcelona have the chance to land an almost fatal blow to Real Madrids LaLiga title aspirations in a mouthwatering El Clasico on Sunday and edge closer to reclaiming the title.

Barca are top by four points over Real with four matches left and a win on Sunday would leave them needing one more victory to clinch a 28th Spanish league title while leaving last years champions licking their wounds in a trophyless season.

Unbeaten domestically since late December playing some of the most entertaining football in Europe this season, Hansi Flicks Barca will try to grab a fourth consecutive victory over Real this season and their second in less than a month.

The Catalans have already lifted the Copa del Rey after a thrilling comeback win in extra time against their old rivals.

The chance of virtually securing the double by beating Real would be the perfect tonic after a heartbreaking 4-3 Champions League defeat by Inter Milan stopped them reaching their first European Cup final in a decade and claiming a sixth crown.

Barca were a couple of minutes away from the Munich showpiece after Raphinha scored from close range in the 87th minute to put them 3-2 up after trailing 2-0 at halftime.

However, Inter equalised through Francesco Acerbi in added time to stay alive and then got the winner from substitute Davide Frattesi in extra time to stun the Catalans.

Barcelona cannot afford to wallow in self-pity and must now focus on Sundays clash in which they will still be without defender Jules Kounde but will recover key players like striker Robert Lewandowski and left back Alejandro Balde from injury.

Despite their disappointing Champions League semi-final exit, Barca should be confident of overturning Real on Sunday, having dominated their arch-rivals across this campaign.

They have