Error Against Espanyol Will Cost Us League Title, Says Real Defender

Spanish defender says Real can ill-afford any more slip-ups this
season if they are to challenege runaway leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid's Spanish international defender Raul Albiol warned on Thursday that his side travels to play Espanyol on Sunday with no margin for error.

Real Madrid already trail La Liga leaders FC Barcelona by seven points and that could grow to 10 points should Barcelona win their 17th consecutive league match when they travel to face Sporting Gijon on Saturday night.

With Madrid still having to travel to play top sides such as Valencia, Villarreal, Athletic Club Bilbao and Espanyol away from home, Albiol's side has a difficult run in to the end of the season and the defender admits every point now is vital.

"We have some very difficult games away from home and we have slipped up in our last two trips," he said in reference to the 1-1 draw in Almeria and the 1-0 defeat away to Osasuna a fortnight ago, which led to Barcelona opening up their lead.

"We don't have any margin for error now, because any more mistakes would mean virtually saying goodbye to the league," said Albiol.

Espanyol and Real Madrid have traditionally enjoyed a good relationship, due partly to the club's mutual antipathy towards Barcelona, but this season Espanyol are sixth in the table and are pressing for a place in Europe next season after losing only twice at their Cornella El Prat Stadium.

Espanyol have only been beaten in front of their fans by FC Barcelona and by Villarreal, the sides currently top and third in the league.

"They are a complicated side to play because they have had excellent form at home. We all know they will be looking forward to playing us and we can't fail. We are seven points behind Barcelona, so the only thing we can do is win," said Albiol, who is likely to be on the bench for the game due to the return of Sergio Ramos after suspension.

"I try and play well when I get the chance and more than that, I know I have to work hard and try to improve," said Albiol.