Atletico is a point behind both Barcelona and Madrid in the three-way fight for the trophy, with Barca having played a game less. So Diego Simeone’s team can hardly afford to lose on Sunday, but must quickly get over another excruciating defeat to its fierce crosstown rival in the Champions League on Wednesday.

According to the newspaper A Bola, the Lisbon club would be willing to negotiate his departure for a sum close to 75 million euros, a significant reduction from the 100 million stated in his release clause. This figure opens the door for both the azulgrana team and the white team to consider his incorporation in the upcoming transfer market.

Real Madrid kept the title race tight with a narrow but crucial win over Rayo Vallecano, moving level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. It looked like