Real Madrid is currently one step safer in Laliga because the 8 point difference certainly means they are without pressure and can play relaxed but still not underestimate their opponents, including when they meet Barcelona later. I am willing to bet that in Elclasico, Real Madrid will win the match because this season Real Madrid is the owner of Elclasico. but not for the Madrid Derby, they lost both home and away matches against Atletico Madrid. Barcelona this season is not very impressive so I think this season Real Madrid will find it easier to win the La Liga trophy with 9 matches remaining.
Remaining 8 points behind Barcelona on La Liga standings awhile, currently Real Madrid position not safer yet with have many matches left and Madrid still has match against Barcelona on games week 32. Actually Real Madrid leaded with the el clasico match in this season after winning the first half season but Barcelona has good progress with their performance currently and success return to 2nd standings position. Have many difficulty match face by Real Madrid in 9 matches later from the upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona and Real Sociedad with the opponent teams potential make Madrid will losses the three points.
The most important thing for Real Madrid to secure La Liga tittle have to win against Barcelona, its will make more gap points on current standings position and wish with the Barcelona's opponent teams can take one or three points.