A Clasico at the edge of the abyss
Barcelona have no time to recover from their Champions League K.O. against Juventus, as Sunday's Clasico awaits just a few days later.
The current realities of each team couldn't be in starker contrast, as a euphoric Real Madrid have reached the Champions League semi-final for the seventh consecutive season, whereas the Blaugrana were once again knocked out in the quarters.
In LaLiga, Los Blancos sit three points ahead with a game in hand, so they are well within the driver's seat.
In other words, the pressure is clearly on Barcelona to attempt to salvage their season.
For such a high-intensity and profile clash, Real Madrid's extra day rest could tilt the match in their favour even further.
Neymar will miss out due to his ban, putting a dent into the Blaugrana attack and, ultimately, their chances.
"We have to win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu," Iniesta said. "It is our last chance."