'We're still here': Real Madrid survival instincts pulling them towards glory

Carlo Ancelotti's side defeated reigning European champions Manchester City on penalties on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals and boast a commanding eight-point lead on Barcelona in La Liga ahead of the Clasico on Sunday. Hopeful of tying up the signing of long-term target Kylian Mbappe at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain deal, the weeks ahead promise to be thrilling for Los Blancos.

Madrid's resilience in Manchester as Pep Guardiola's side dominated the 1-1 draw (4-4 on aggregate), means they can extend their record 14 Champions League triumphs, with Bayern Munich beckoning in the semi-finals. Amid Barcelona's euphoria at the end of last season as they conquered La Liga, Madrid surveyed their weaknesses and acted to overcome them.

They moved for Jude Bellingham, adding steel to a team which was dismantled by Manchester City in last season's Champions League semi-finals. The England international, although deployed in an attacking role by Ancelotti, helps give Madrid more defensive balance when out of possession than they previously had - he has replaced striker Karim Benzema in the line-up.

This season the story was different at the Etihad Stadium, with Madrid digging deep and holding firm to force penalties and make the final four. "We showed the attitude and commitment demanded by this jersey," said Ancelotti. "This is a very special competition for us and we always deliver something that people are not expecting us to produce. "Everyone was writing us off but we're still here."

In La Liga, Madrid are poised to wrest the title from their arch-rivals. They can virtually sew it up this weekend in the Clasico. Second-placed Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabeu after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG on