RESULT! BALE’S BACK IN FRAME FOR REAL TITLE DECIDER
GARETH BALE returns to the squad as Real Madrid look to lift their first La Liga title since 2012 this evening.
A draw at Malaga will see Zinedine Zidane’s side end Barcelona’s domestic dominance.
Luis Enrique’s defending champions need a win at home to Eibar to have any chance of a third straight title.
Bale (below) has not played since limping off with a calf injury in April’s 3-2 home defeat by Barca but his inclusion boosts hopes the Welshman will be fit for the Champions League Final against Juventus in Cardiff next month.
Zidane said: “We’ve one league game left and we’re working exactly as we’d want. It’s in our hands and that’s significant.
“We’re in great physical shape and we’ll go out and give it everything we’ve got to win the game, just as we always do.
“We’re not going to change anything. The plan is to go out on all cylinders, give 100 per cent and play to win it, as ever.
“That’s in this club’s DNA and we’ll have to see what happens.
“We know how hard it is to win La Liga. It’s very tough because there are 38 games.
“Every week, or every three days, you have to show how much you want to win it and we’ve managed to do so far.”
Zidane also reserved special praise for his star striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
The prolific Portugal forward has scored five times in his last three La Liga games – as well as a hat-trick in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. “He’s performing fantastically and he’s on a sweet run of form, just like the rest of the squad,” Zidane said. “He’s very happy. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got in both of our remaining games this season.” Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Enrique will bid an emotional farewell to the Nou Camp – even if victory over Eibar fails to deny Real Madrid the title. He said: “It’s going to be a very special night. “I was very fortunate to become manager here. I’m very grateful to Barcelona for what it’s given me in my eight years as a player and six in coaching roles. “I feel privileged and my only objective now is to try and win the three points. “If we get the knock-on effect and win the league as well, great, we’ll celebrate. “If not, we’ll congratulate the champions. “Next year I will be back at the Nou Camp as a member and enjoy the games.” Barcelona have won eight trophies during Enrique’s three years in charge, with next week’s Copa del Rey final against Alaves offering the chance of more silverware. Sergi Roberto is back from suspension and Gerard Pique could also feature after returning to training but Javier Mascherano is sidelined after pulling a hamstring.