article_snippet.sent: Real looked in good spirits after a successful weekend, during which good spirits cut the gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona to just two points, and the European Champions were further boosted by the return from injury of Wales winger Gareth Bale.
article_snippet.sent: Portuguese defender Pepe claimed the success in Champions League will give Real a boost ahead of Tuesday's first leg, a repeat of last year's Champions League final. '
article_snippet.sent: The two point [gap] gives us a lift,' Portuguese defender Pepe told AS ahead of the game. '
article_snippet.sent: The Ballon d'Or winner keeps the ball away from James Rodriguez during a drill in Real Madrid training .
article_snippet.sent: The two Madrid sides have already met six times this season, with Real yet to record a victory, losing both league matches, and twice being defeated on aggregate in cup competitions.
article_snippet.sent: However, Real yet are seven points clear of The two Madrid sides rivals in the La Liga table, and will be confident ahead of The two Madrid sides trip to the Vicente Calderon.
article_snippet.sent: James Rodriguez and compatriot Pepe are put through James Rodriguez and Pepe paces as Real yet prepared for Tuesday's crucial showdown .
highlights_snippet.sent: Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in Champions League clash on Tuesday .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Atletico Madrid in Champions League closed gap on league leaders Barcelona over the weekend .
  
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