Sunday's game at the Bernabeu attracted its usual global attention, and did not disappoint as Lionel Messi's hat-trick helped Barca twice come from behind to seal a thrilling 4-3 win over fierce rivals Real.
That result, combined with Atletico's 2-0 win at bottom club Real Betis, means the top three are now separated by just one point, with the two Madrid clubs level at the top on 70 points with nine games remaining and Atletico leading only by virtue of their head-to-head record.
After seeing their 18-match unbeaten league run come to an end on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti's Real face the toughest task of the trio in the midweek round of action.
They visit Sevilla, who come into the game in sparkling form after five consecutive Liga wins, while they were further buoyed last Thursday after seeing off bitter rivals Betis on penalties in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.
Atletico welcome 11th-placed Granada to the Vicente Calderon, which has become a fortress for Diego Simeone's men this season.
Athletic Bilbao currently occupy the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot, and they will hope to keep the challenging trio of Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Sevilla at arm's length when they visit Elche in 15th.
