Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini said on Friday that he believes the destiny of the BBVA Primera Liga title will be decided this weekend.
While Real Madrid entertains Athletic Club Bilbao, league leaders FC Barcelona visits Sevilla.
Barca stand on top with 93 points while Real Madrid followed at heel with a point less.
Failure to beat Athletic Club would leave Madrid virtually out of the title race and could even see Barcelona crowned champions this Saturday should they win in the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
However should Pellegrini's side win and Barcelona fail to take all three points that would give Real Madrid the advantage ahead of its final game away to Malaga.
"The match against Athletic Club Bilbao won't be easy," warned Pellegrini.
"We have to win and focus on ourselves because we have no control over what happens in Sevilla," he added.
Barcelona's last game of the season is in the Camp Nou against relegation threatened Valladolid, a side that could even be relegated to the second division if it fails to win on Saturday.
Pellegrini admitted that he was not expecting Barcelona to drop any points in that game.
"I don't think Barcelona will lose their final home game next week, so this weekend could be decisive. Their match in Seville will be very important," he said, looping at a Primera Liga table where his side and Barcelona have a lead over 20 points over third placed Valencia.
"Both Barcelona and Real Madrid deserve the title, but someone has to win in the end. Whichever team does will deserve it more," he concluded.