The Malian midfielder admits that he has no inside knowledge of the Blaugrana, but thinks that Fabio Capello's side have built up momentum at a crucial time.

With just two points separating the two rivals, Diarra believes that the family atmosphere at Madrid will help them in the last six matches.

"I don't exactly know the shape Barcelona are in, so I can't really comment on them, but I know that we are very much alive and that we all get along very well," he said.

"We are like a big family and that shows on the pitch. We are probably slightly above our rivals because we are in very good form."

The comfortable win against a poor Athletic Bilbao side in San Mamés at the weekend has lifted morale at Madrid even higher and the aim now is continue the winning run.

Victory over the Basque Country outfit as Madrid's second consecutive league triumph and even that has seen the team being branded as title favourites.

"It was an important game, like all the rest," Diarra stated. "Winning has allowed us to remain at the top.

"The math is simple: we have to win three points in every game. I think about my team, about the good moment we're going through and about winning more games."

David Beckham was instrumental in the wins against Valencia and Athletic, but he could be set to miss the visit of Sevilla next Sunday after his latest yellow card.

The booking at Athletic saw Diarra raise the spectre of conspiracy theories against referees as the former Lyon star hinted that was another attempt to derail Madrid.

"The club will do everything they can to get the booking rescinded," he continued.

"Some refereeing decisions have been detrimental to us lately. I wish they were sometimes in our favour.

"The referee thought David was wasting time, but he was waiting foir the wall to be placed properly. I don't think he deserved to be booked."

Diarra then reflected on his turbulent first season at the Bernabéu as he is now enjoying life again only weeks after considering quitting in the summer.

"Football, like life, has its ups and downs," he explained. "I admit I thought about my future. Sometimes things go well and other's everything seems to be very hard.

"I knew my situation on the team depended on me and on how well I did. I never had doubts about what I was truly capable of and I never questioned why I was at this club."

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