ALVES HOPES FOR REAL BLIP

It seems that the title is slowly slipping away from Barcelona's grasp. This weekend, Barcelona allowed Real Madrid to stretch their lead to 6 points, which is going to be more than crucial in the title race.

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has been quick to point out that Real Madrid have been excellent in recent weeks, but is fairly sure they will face their own dip in form soon. Barcelona lost in a very surprising manner against Getafe during the weekend, with a real lack of chances and aggression, while Real Madrid continued their impressive form by thrashing city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1.

Madrid carried a three-point advantage going into the weekend, which has now been stretched to 6 points. Things get worse for Barca - the first El Clasico of the season will be held at the Santiago Bernebeu and not the Camp Nou, meaning that Madrid can play for a draw while Barcelona struggle to attack them. It's no wonder Barca's odds have drifted on La Liga betting markets. Even if Barcelona get the advantage in the first El Clasico, Real Madrid do have a significant advantage to carry on to second El Clasico of the season.

Even though Dani Alves thinks that Real Madrid are undoubtedly the most exciting side at the moment, he feels that Barcelona are up to the challenge. Speaking after the match against Getafe, Dani Alves said "Many would hand the league over to Real Madrid now and they are setting off fireworks. But the challenge for us is exciting and fascinating. Luckily there is still a very long way to go."

The first El Clasico of the season is only a few weeks away on the 10th of December. It remains to be seen if Real Madrid can maintain their advantage up until then or even extend it further. Doing so would seriously put the brakes on Barcelona's aspirations to win the title for the fourth consecutive season. Alves would convince you that a Barcelona bet would be well placed, but Real look in great form at the moment.