Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane felt his side limbered up for a crucial week in fine fashion with a 2-0 win over Eibar.
Goals from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema in each half wrapped up a routine victory.
Real have climbed above Barcelona into second in LaLiga and lie three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Next up is a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool before next Saturday's clash with Barca.
"We made changes today and the team has not suffered in the sense that we have gone from the first minute for the game," said Zidane, according to El Correo.
"The first part was spectacular, complete. In defence we have barely conceded chances and I especially liked our game with the ball.
"We have to continue like this. The second part was a bit different, also because of a storm. We had about 20 complicated minutes to score the second goal.
"Now we have an important week, with a Champions League game and then a very entertaining league game. We have had difficult moments in the season and now we have to take advantage of this (period) that is good."
Asensio made the breakthrough four minutes before half-time, taking Casemiro's pass and slotting home from the 18-yard line.
Real doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Vinicius Junior crossed for Benzema to head home his ninth goal in his last seven appearances.
