The Catalan giants moved six points clear at the top of the La Liga table with a 4-0 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna yesterday.

Luis Suarez and Paulinho both bagged a brace as their gap to fourth-placed Real extended to 11 points.

Zinedine Zidane’s side won the Club World Cup with a 1-0 win against Gremio on Saturday.

But when they return to domestic action they face Barcelona in El Clasico, where they will be hoping to close the gap to top spot.

A win for Barca would move them 14 points clear of Real - but with Atletico and Valencia in close proximity, Valverde knows that it will mean little in the running for the title.

"I don't think a Clasico victory will give us the title,” Valverde said.

"Atletico are only six points behind.

“Can win at the Bernabeu? No one wins the league at this stage.

"It was important to win, not only by three points but also to get to the next game with good feelings.

“El Clasico will be a match against an enormous rival. 

“What we know is that this is a long competition, nobody will decide anything at this point.

“We will prepare for it well.”