Madrid coach criticises league calendar ahead of cup clasico vs Barcelona

Madrid, Feb 24: Real Madrid's head coach Santiago Solari has criticised the league calendar and said his team would have a day less to prepare than its historical rival Barcelona ahead of their Copa del Rey Clasico corresponding semis second-leg.

Madrid is to take on Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday after both teams played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg held at the Camp Nou stadium on February 6, reports Efe news.

"The calendar is curious," Solari told the media here on Saturday evening. "We find it very entertaining. But, since we do not choose this, to play in different conditions, we chose to take it as a major challenge."

With regards to the game itself, Solari said he seriously prepared for all matches, as the team has "the commitment to fight for La Liga (title) till the end".

"Against Levante we must pay attention, because we are to face a very fast team in the attack," he added. "We have to be awake from the very first minute, play our game, press high, be aggressive in front of the opposite goal and make the most of the ball possession."

Real Madrid currently holds the third spot in the standings with 45 points, nine points behind title-holder Barcelona, and two points behind Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine coach said all his players are available except midfielder Marcos Llorente, who was still recovering from his muscle injury.