Iker Casillas wants Real Madrid to secure the La Liga title "as soon as possible" rather have to do it against arch-rivals Barcelona on May 7.Bernd Schuster's team are 10 points clear of their only remaining challengers, Villarreal, with four matches remaining.

The champions can make sure of retaining the league trophy with victory at Osasuna on Sunday after Villarreal's win at Real Betis last weekend saw the title race remain alive for at least another week.

"We would've all liked to celebrate the title with our fans, but the important thing is to win no matter where, and we still haven't done that. Nevertheless, the fans celebrated the victory as if the title had been won," said the Spain stopper, recalling the scenes after his team's 3-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao.

"We are very close to taking the title and I believe the fans expressed that. That's why we thanked them for their support."

Some fans want the crowning glory to come at home to Barca on Wednesday week, but Casillas would like it to be mathematically beyond any doubt by the end of this weekend's trip to Pamplona.

The 26-year-old, who saved a Joseba Garmendia penalty on Sunday to keep his side in front at the Bernabeu, continued in Spanish daily AS: "I would prefer to win it as soon as possible.

"The fans probably don't mind us winning the title in Pamplona. We will try to win on Sunday. Our motto is 'the sooner, the better'.

"It doesn't matter where you win because it is always great to do so."

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