Wales striker Gareth Bale says Real Madrid can still win the league title despite the fact that they are 10 points behind from leaders Barcelona. They are going to face Barcelona on Saturday at Camp Nou. La Liga leaders Barca are undefeated in 39 league and cup matches and are looking for the double over El Clasico opponents Real, having defeated them 4-0 at the Bernabeu on 21 November. “In my opinion everything could be achieved in football,” said Bale, who feels more comfortable at Real Madrid than last season. “Last season I did not perform to anywhere near to my prospective,” he added.

Bale, signed from Tottenham in September 2013, scored 13 times in 31 La Liga appearances as Real Madrid finished two points behind champions Barca last season. This season, the Wales international has managed 15 league goals in 18 appearances during an injury interrupted campaign for third-placed Real Madrid with eight games to go. “It was important for me to keep working hard, to keep fighting. It is difficult playing in a foreign country,” said 26 years old Bale.

I’ve felt more settled, more involved in the team this year and I think that has shown in performances on the pitch. It’s good to have a bad season. You really do learn a lot about yourself and I feel this season I took [what happened] last season on board. I understand the game a lot more over here and I hope there is a lot still more to come in the future. On this season’s title race in Spain, Bale added: “We’re 10 points behind, but we will keep fighting until it is impossible. On Saturday, we can get to within seven points of them and you never know what might happen next.”

Information took from Gareth Bale: Real Madrid and Wales forward feels settled – BBC Sport