The 27-year-old centre-back has written off los Blancos’ hopes of catching Barcelona, but says the team are focusing their efforts on the remaining competitions this season
Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol has earmarked success in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League to compensate for a dismal defence of their league crown this season.
The 27-year-old earned a rare start for Sunday’s narrow 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, but Albiol concedes Madrid’s chances of retaining the Liga title have all but vanished, instead choosing to focus his sights firmly on the other two remaining competitions in a bid to make amends for their shortcomings in the league.
“We are really suffering on the road in the league. We have to aim for a second-placed finish. Tonight we didn’t start well but later on, we had a lot of chances,” he told reporters.
“Winning the league is practically out of the question but we are still in with a good chance in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League – we have been strong in both competitions. We have to focus on both of those competitions.”
The Spanish giants face neighbours Atletico Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 17 and discover their quarter-final opponents in the Champions League on Friday, March 15.