article_snippet.sent: Second-placed Real, who hammered Granada 9-1 on Sunday with Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo netting his first five-goal haul, are four points behind Barca, who host Almeria earlier on Wednesday, with nine games left.
article_snippet.sent: Real Madrid are four points behind Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title .
article_snippet.sent: After edging Celta Vigo 1-0 on Sunday, Barca will be looking for a more convincing performance at home to struggling Almeria, who sacked coach Juan Ignacio Martinez after Saturday's 4-1 home defeat by Levante.
article_snippet.sent: Barca's Argentina forward Lionel Messi, in particular, will be keen to get back among the goals after failing to score in Barca's Argentina forward Lionel Messi last three outings in all competitions.
article_snippet.sent: Messi will be hoping to return to scoring form when Barcelona play Almeria on Wednesday .
article_snippet.sent: Jeremy Mathieu (right) scored Barcelona's winner at Celta Vigo on Sunday night .
highlights_snippet.sent: Real Madrid return to action at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: They kept up the pressure on Barcelona with a 9-1 thrashing of Granada .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Barcelona, four points clear, host Almeria on Wednesday night .