Sergio Ramos stressed the importance of the Clasico, insisting reigning LaLiga champions Real Madrid are "obliged to win now more than ever" as Barcelona continue to set the pace in Spain.

Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with the Catalan visitors 11 points clear of the Spanish and European champions.

Ramos' side do have a game in hand, though the captain understands the consequences of a Madrid defeat.

"It will be a great match," Ramos said at a sponsorship event on Tuesday. "There are no words to describe the Clasico.

"It is totally different, and the most important game in the world.

"We are obliged to win now more than ever due to the situation we find ourselves in, in order to remain in the fight for LaLiga."

Ramos added: "We come into it in good form after winning the Club World Cup, which always suits the team on a psychological level.

"We are eager to play and have been working hard this week, so hopefully we can get the three points that will allow us to stay close to those teams ahead of us."