Four reasons why Barcelona have the advantage over Real Madrid in LaLiga

It’s tight at the top of LaLiga. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético all won their respective games at the weekend, which means only one point separates the three going into the final 13 games of the title race.

The reason Barcelona are ahead of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga

Although Atleti have lost a league-low two games, they are a solitary point adrift of the Clásico rivals, inseparable after 25 games. Except they can be separated in a number of different metrics, and all of them fall in the favor of Barça, the current league leaders.

The Catalans top the table by virtue of holding a number of tiebreakers over Madrid, and it’s unlikely, although not impossible, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will be able to change that in their remaining fixtures.

What tiebreakers are used in LaLiga?

Head-to-head record

When teams are level on points in LaLiga, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head record, and the second is goal differential in head-to-head games.

Barcelona famously won 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu in October, so Madrid would have to win by a five-goal margin at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on May 11 to level the first tiebreaker and take the second, or by a four-goal difference to bring the third tiebreaker into play.

Overall goal differential

Said third tiebreaker is goal differential across all 38 games this season. As it stands, Barça are 11 goals better off (+42 to Madrid’s +31), which will likely be difficult for Madrid to overturn in 13 games.

Total goals scored

If they did somehow manage to overall goal differential, though, the next tiebreaker would be total goals scored. Again, Hansi Flick’s side are well ahead in that regard, having found the net 67 times to Madrid’s 54.

Fair play record

In the improbable event the two teams somehow find themselves level on the first four tiebreakers, their fair play records would then be used to separate them. Using that metric, Real Madrid might stand a chance as they have been marginally better behaved than Barça to date, although there’s little in it.

Atlético Madrid ready to pounce

Barcelona might, however, have to watch out for Atlético Madrid.

Although they are a point behind and are well behind in most tiebreakers, they currently lead the head-to-head against the Catalans having won 2-1 in Montjuïc in December. The clubs meet again in the Spanish capital on March 16, and Diego Simeone’s team will be desperate to land a critical blow as the title race edges closer to its conclusion.

Related stories

MLS

MLS 2025 starts with Messi, new signings and more

Premier League

$120 million thrown into the garbage

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.