Published on 12:00 AM, November 10, 2012

LFP

'Best in the world'

Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant this season's La Liga title will once again be a tale of two teams, despite his Real Madrid side sitting in third position, eight points behind leaders Barcelona and five from Atletico Madrid.
"I'm sure it will be just the two of us, I don't want to rule out anyone else, but I think it will be between us and Barca again," he said.
"I don't remember in the last ten years a rivalry like the one we have, it's good for the game.
"Football fans are enjoying something unique, players from the past say that this league is harder than ever so I think the Spanish league is the best in the world right now, with the best two teams and the best players." he told CNN.
On Sunday, Madrid face a tough trip to Levante as they attempt to close the gap on Barca, who must quickly recover from the midweek Champions League defeat at Celtic with an away game at Mallorca.
Levante has proven to be a difficult place for Madrid in recent seasons, having lost 1-0 last term after a 0-0 draw there in 2010.
And Ronaldo may be asked to play as the lone striker as Jose Mourinho's side go into the game with key strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema definitely out.
Higuain limped from Madrid's Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund at half-time last Tuesday, shifting the focus of his side's injury problems from defence to attack.
Players in contention for a rare start in attacking positions for 'los blancos' are Jose Callejon, who impressed as a second-half substitute against Borussia, and reserve team striker Alvaro Morata.
Portuguese full-back Fabio Coentrao is back in training and could play some part after a long absence.
Spain international Gerard Pique may start for Barca after seven weeks out with an ankle injury.
The centre-half played the final 20 minutes in Glasgow on Wednesday.

FIXTURES
(all times GMT)
Saturday
Rayo Vallecano v Celta (1500), Espanyol v Osasuna (1700), Zaragoza v Deportivo (1900), Malaga v Real Sociedad (2100)
Sunday
Valladolid v Valencia (1100), Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla (1500), Mallorca v Barcelona (1650), Atletico Madrid v Getafe (1845), Real Madrid v Levante (2030)