The Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has said that he will not write off the chances of Real Madrid winning the title this season, despite the fact that their arch rivals are 11 points behind them in the table. It has been a strange season in Le Liga this time around, as Real Madrid have been unable to exert the same dominance as they have done in the past. The current champions also are behind Barcelona by 11 points in the table even at this early stage in the season. They have already suffered three defeats in the league, with the latest coming during the weekend.

Despite this massive advantage over their arch rivals, Barcelona will not be writing off the challenge from Real Madrid according to Tito Vilanova. Real Madrid will be playing against Athletico Madrid, who are eight points ahead of the in the table, during the weekend, while Barcelona will be up against Atletic Bilbao. Even though in the past, the Madrid derby has been a source of regular three points for Real Madrid, many reckon that it will be tough this time around. As a result, there is a chance that this lead might increase to 14 points by the end of this week. Barcelona will be able to set a new record for their best start to a new season by beating Atletic Bilbao.

“I wouldn’t give them up for dead. It’s not normal that we win all our matches. We should prepare ourselves for when we lose. We are talking about maybe being 14 points ahead [of Real] after tomorrow but maybe we’ll end the weekend only eight in front,” said the Barcelona manager ahead of this match. Athletico Madrid are the closest contenders for Barcelona, as they are just three points behind the Catalan club.