BARCELONA, Spain (AP)—With its lead over Barcelona crumbling, leaguepacesetter Real Madrid faces a crucial Spanish capital derby at an AtleticoMadrid hungry to break a run of 22 games without a victory over its crosstownrivals on Wednesday.

Three draws in its last five games have cut Madrid’s once commandingadvantage of 10 points down to four, and Barcelona will have a shot at pullingeven closer on Tuesday at home against Getafe.

Madrid captain Iker Casillas says “the gap with Barcelona has been reduced,but now we just have to keep moving forward. The derby will be a special match.After so long without beating us, for them it will also be a vital game.”