PREPARING FOR THE LAST MATCH OF 2021

Suffering, when you win, is always more bearable. That must be what squad think, who, despite the difficulties, returned to work at the Ciudad Deportiva on Sunday with the satisfaction of having done their duty and with three more points in the bag after last night's thrilling victory over Atlético Madrid. They did so under the watchful eye of vice-president José María del Nido Carrasco, sporting director general Monchi, as well as Fernando Navarro and Emilio de Dios. However, there is little time to savour the triumph because a new challenge is already on the horizon.

And it will be no less challenging, as in just over 48 hours they return to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán to take on none other than FC Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez's men arrive after their narrow victory over Elche, with the intention of staying in the European spots. The team train again on Monday before Julen Lopetegui attends the media.