Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his delight at his side's position in La Liga.
Los Blancos were playing catch-up before the winter break, but back-to-back draws for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have allowed the club to move to within one point of the top spot.
"We are now where we wanted to be when the season began," Ancelotti told Marca.
"I've talked a lot about balance and I think we have now achieved that. We are scoring goals and we're better defensively."
Madrid have won each of their last seven matches in all competitions and have not been beaten since losing to Barcelona at the end of October.
