Two huge tests lie ahead for Real Madrid

Real Madrid's next two LaLiga Santander matches could hold the key to the destination of the title. It's still early days, but if Los Blancos beat Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid - their two nearest rivals - then they will have a minimum of a seven-point lead at the top of the table, even after Atleti make up their game in hand.

No one would ever say that's insurmountable at this stage of the season, but it would be an equally big shock if any of the teams below overhauled it.

As former boss Zinedine Zidane used to like saying, Real Madrid have two "finals" ahead as they look to build on the impressive run of form they have shown of late. A five-game domestic winning streak has seen them pull ahead of the pack.

With Barcelona well out of the picture due to their well-documented issues, Real Madrid could give themselves some breathing space for a proper tilt at another Champions League crown.

The Madrid derby promises so much.

The corresponding fixture took place almost exactly a year ago at Valdebebas and it was Real Madrid who took the spoils with a 2-0 victory thanks to a Casemiro effort and a Jan Oblak own goal.

Atleti will, therefore, be out for revenge on December 12, but with their rivals - and the likes of Vinicius- in such good form, it will be a tough test.

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