Barcelona's 2-2 draw at Real Betis, their first slip up after 10 consecutive league victories, has added extra spice to Saturday's city derby at the Nou Camp against basement side Espanyol.
Real are on an eight-match winning streak and host an improving Betis at the Bernabeu at the same time.
The Madrid-based media have been quick to build up their team's chances of pulling off a comeback similar to the one Fabio Capello's side achieved to overhaul Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona for the title in 2007.
"A while ago Rafael Nadal was behind Roger Federer, who was considered the best. Now it is Nadal," he said.
Barca's Mexican defender Rafael Marquez responded: "Real are the ones under pressure because they cannot afford any slips ups in the league. We have a 10-point advantage and are showing no signs of weakness."
The return to Champions League action next week is an added complication for both sides and will influence whether key players such as Real's Arjen Robben and Barca's Carles Puyol are brought back from injury.
"Although we are where we hoped to be at this point of the season, there is a continuous state of anxiety around the club and this isn't good," sports director Ramon 'Monchi' Rodriguez said.
"Resino is a motivator and a winner and I am sure he can transmit this to the team," Atletico's Argentine captain Maxi Rodriguez said.
