Santiago Solari has insisted Real Madrid remain committed to the LaLiga title race despite slipping nine points behind leaders Barcelona after last week's shock loss to Girona.
Real travel to Levante on Sunday with back-to-back clashes against Barca looming – including Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg – and next month's Champions League tie with Ajax.
But despite the apparent futility of seeking to wrest the title out of their rivals' hands, Solari says they will continue to mount a challenge until they are forced to mathematically concede.
Solari told a press conference: "We will play every game with maximum commitment and our commitment is to fight for the league until the end.
"Our objective is to close the gap but Levante are a very fast team so we have to go there from the first minute and play our game and be aggressive in front of goal.
Solari is set to be boosted by the return to LaLiga action of Isco for the first time since October after back and neck injuries, but Marcos Llorente is still ruled out.
🎙💬 Solari discusses tomorrow's #RMLiga clash against @LevanteUD. #RMCity pic.twitter.com/KRZOzRcU51 — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 23, 2019
Meanwhile Solari appeared to question the fixture schedule which affords Barca – who were playing at Sevilla on Saturday – an extra day off prior to the midweek clash.
Calling the decision "curious", Solari added: "It is really funny because we did not ask to play in different conditions, but we will face it as a big challenge."
Levante go into the game in 12th place in the wake of their emphatic 4-1 win at struggling Celta Vigo last week.
RUEDA DE PRENSA | Paco López: "Vamos a jugar con ilusión, con nuestro público, para hacer un buen partido y poder ganar" #LevanteRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/oQAEoFepKs
— Levante UD 🐸 (@LevanteUD) February 23, 2019
Levante coach Paco Lopez believes the momentum from that away win will help his side face the daunting challenge of following Girona's stunning example from last weekend.
Lopez told a press conference: "The victory last week gave us confidence and we have proved this season that we are capable of overcoming adversity.
"In sport there are two types of people – those who win and those who lose.
"I'm talking about attitudes, and while we are always going to respect a rival like Real Madrid, the idea is to win."
