Pacesetters Real will travel to the Nou Camp boasting a four-point advantage over Barcelona, who will be without key playmaker Lionel Messi but do have the benefit of having won all eight of their league matches at home this season.

Last term this corresponding fixture in March provided Real with the spark that ultimately led them to the Spanish title.

Fabio Capello's side travelled to Barcelona having won just one of their previous six league matches, but after drawing 3-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Nou Camp, Real went on to win 10 of their final 12 matches, losing just once.

This match comes a lot earlier in the season though, which is why Iniesta feels it is not key to the title race - even if the Catalan giants would fall seven points adrift of their arch rivals with a defeat.

"I believe there's still a long way to go in the league but of course it's important for what it represents historically and because of the situation of both teams in the table and because we're playing at home, which should motivate us more to take the three points," Iniesta said.

"It won't be decisive but we have to win in order to get to the top as soon as possible.

"If we keep on improving our results away from home we could have a chance of winning the title. I hope the Nou Camp stays a 'fortress' until the end of the season," the Spain international added on his club's website, www.fcbarcelona.com.