Real Madrid Boss and Inter Milan former Manager Jose Mourinho insists a defeat for Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Monday would not be "decisive" in the La Liga title race.
Jose Mourinho, still unbeaten as Madrid boss, takes his side to the Barcelona looking to preserve their advantage at the top of the table, but he stressed that there is a lot more to the season than El Clasico.
Speaking at his press conference on Sunday, Jose said: "Every game is important. Every point that you lose could be key at the end, but after tomorrow`s game there will be 25 matches left and there are a lot of points in play and so many factors.
"It's an important game but not decisive. If we win, the following morning will be Tuesday, and if we lose, it will also be Tuesday."
He added: "I hope that if my team loses, it won't change either their confidence of self-esteem and, if they win, they will continue with their feet on the ground. I will continue to be calm after the game whatever the result.
"We need to be aware that the season is played over ten months at a very high level. I'm sure we will continue with calm, regardless of the result."
Mourinho, accused of adopting a negative approach in his previous encounters with Barca, said he would be looking to help create a enjoyable spectacle.
"The world is waiting for this game and we have the responsibility to give the world the game that expect," he said. "These are two teams who could be the best, with top players, and everything is in place for it to be a great game.
"I hope that the players help the referee and that it`s a game where they only talk of the football and nice things."
On who he considered favourites for the game, Mourinho said: "Many times in Clasicos and derbies it isn't the best team or the one ahead in the table who wins. These matches provide a different motivation - we can have ten points more or ten less, but in these games it's very difficult to say who is better and who is favourite."
Sami Khedira and Gonzalo Higuain are included in the 20-man Real Madrid squad after recovering from injury.
