Real Madrid to 'fight until the last game' after closing gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the club will fight until it's mathematically impossible to win La Liga after the defending champions claimed a comfortable win over Celta Vigo on Saturday night to close the gap on leaders Barcelona.

Barca had built a seemingly insurmountable lead but successive goalless draws against Girona ad Getafe - following a 4-0 thrashing by Real in the Copa del Rey - has opened the door slightly for their fierce rivals to at least apply some pressure.

Marco Asensio and Eder Militao struck for Real Madrid in the 2-0 win over Celta at the Bernabeu, bringing the champions within eight points of leaders Barcelona, who host Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday afternoon.

Although Madrid's hopes of overhauling Xavi Hernandez's side are slim at best, coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted his team needed to keep winning their league games to stay in a good dynamic.

Los Blancos face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final in May, ahead of their Champions League semi-final clashes against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

"We'll fight until the last game, while it's mathematically possible," Madrid goalkeeper Courtois told DAZN. "We have to try and win the next three games and then when we play the cup final, see how many points off we are, and if there's a chance.

"Our job is to keep winning, and not just to cut the distance but for good sensations before the Champions League."

Ancelotti made five changes from the midweek Champions League victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, resting veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

The Italian did start Benzema, who was upset to come off against Chelsea, but the French forward had a quiet night.

Instead it was Asensio who drew the focus, converting with a scruffy