Real could have moved 11 points clear at the summit if results had gone their way last weekend, but their shock loss at Real Betis combined with Barca's impressive victory at Real Zaragoza means only five points now separate the two Spanish giants.
Barca will expect to keep the pressure up on their arch-rivals with a home win over lowly Levante, so the spotlight will fall on whether Real coach Bernd Schuster can mastermind a victory over his former club Getafe at the Bernabeu.
Real's home form this season, which has seen them win all 11 of their league matches, indicates it will be Schuster and co celebrating on Sunday night.
However, the reigning champions' recent results suggest things might not be so straightforward.
Of their 11 competitive matches in 2008, Real have lost five - including three of their last four against Almeria and Betis in the league, and Roma in the Champions League.
However, in their last appearance at the Bernabeu, Real trounced Real Valladolid 7-0 and defender Gabriel Heinze insists there is no need to be concerned about his side's recent performances.
"We are leaders in the league and we are still in the Champions League, if that shows we are an easy side to beat then I don't know what shows the opposite," he said.
"I'm not worried about the defeats because I have faith in this team. We will have to win our next away game to prove you wrong."
Looking ahead to the Getafe match, Heinze added: "It will be as difficult as the rest. Every team at the Bernabeu does its very best, especially sides like Getafe who come from the same area. They have great players.
"We need the three points to continue to stand strong in the league."
Like Real, Sevilla are also looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, with Manolo Jimenez's side suffering a 3-2 loss to Fenerbache in Turkey.
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