Carlo Ancelotti says next weekend’s Clásico will be “almost” decisive in the La Liga title race, after Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday kept them four points behind leaders Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice following an opener from Arda Güler to give Madrid a comfortable 3-0 lead at the Bernabéu. But Celta Vigo fought back with two late goals, creating a tense final 15 minutes.

Madrid will head into the Clásico at Montjuïc knowing that a win would cut Barcelona’s lead to just one point with three games left in the season.

"Yes, obviously," Ancelotti said at a postmatch news conference when asked whether Madrid needed to beat Barça to stand a chance of winning the league. "I won't say Sunday's game will be decisive, but almost. … If we win, we're a point behind.

The league would still be in Barcelona's hands, but we'll have more of a chance."

Barcelona won 4-0 at the Bernabéu in the two teams' first Clásico meeting this season, and then 5-2 in the Spanish Supercopa final, before winning 3-2 after extra time in last weekend's Copa del Rey final.

"We played them last week and it was competitive," Ancelotti said. "We were close to winning. We have to play a serious game, and we'll play with all the confidence in the world."

Carlo Ancelotti praised Arda Güler for his strong performance against Celta Vigo, where the young playmaker scored his second goal in two La Liga games and also provided an assist.

The Madrid coach added that Güler is now in the running to start in next weekend’s crucial clash against Barcelona.

"The Güler of September isn't the Güler of today," Ancelotti said when asked about the player's development. "He's changed, his physical profile has changed. …

He's done better this year, and he'll do better in the coming years. He has the profile to be a first-team player at Real Madrid.

"Two months ago I had a go at the people around him [for being impatient], and now I have to congratulate them, because he's doing a good job."