LaLiga

Latest Real Madrid slip means Barcelona could clinch LaLiga before El Clásico

After Madrid’s draw at Betis, Barça could now realistically seal the LaLiga title before El Clásico on May 10. This is how.

Juanma Leiva Roddy Cons

Update: Apr 25th, 2026 02:47 EDT

With each passing week, the LaLiga title race looks more and more settled. Real Madrid, under pressure to win out, failed to secure all three points against Real Betis and now sit eight points behind Barcelona, who also have a game in hand.

Hansi Flick’s side had circled their upcoming trip to Getafe as a potential stumbling block, but the pressure has eased. Madrid’s latest slip means Barça can approach the match with a greater sense of control.

🏁 FT: @RealBetis_en 1-1 @RealMadridEN
⚽ 17' @ViniJr
⚽ 90'+4' Bellerín
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/80z02v2w2L
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 24, 2026

When could Barcelona clinch the title?

Attention is already turning to the math, and how soon Barcelona can wrap up the title. In fact, a win this weekend would open the door to a scenario where Barça go into El Clásico in Matchday 35 already crowned champions.

That possibility carries its own intrigue. It would raise the question of whether Real Madrid would honor their rivals with the traditional pregame guard of honor.

Barcelona currently hold an eight-point lead, which could stretch to 11 if they beat Getafe. Should that happen, Matchday 34 could prove decisive. A Barça win over Osasuna, combined with a Madrid slip against Espanyol, would be enough to seal the title.

Barcelona and Real Madrid’s remaining games

Date	Round	Barcelona	Real Madrid
25/04	32*	Getafe (away)	1-1 Betis (away)
03/05	34	Osasuna (away)	Espanyol (away)
10/05	35	Real Madrid (home)	Barcelona (outside)
13/05	36	Alavés (away)	Oviedo (house)
17/05	37	Betis (home)	Seville (outside)
24/05	38	Valencia (outside)	Athletic (home)

*Matchday 32 was pushed back due to the Copa del Rey final.

📸 | Thanks to Hector Bellerin’s goal, Barça will have the opportunity to become La Liga Champions in El Clasico 🥹

Our blood always helps us! 💙♥️ pic.twitter.com/lsqQtEjLxl
— forblaugrana (@forblaugrana) April 24, 2026

A big cushion, but a demanding schedule

Despite their advantage, Barcelona still face a challenging run-in. First comes Getafe, a team that has historically caused them problems on the road. Then it’s a trip to Osasuna’s El Sadar, where Barça lost last season.

After hosting Real Madrid in the Clásico, they will face Alavés, welcome Real Betis, and close out the season at Valencia’s Mestalla.

Real Madrid running out of margin for error

For Madrid, the recent clash at La Cartuja felt like a must-win. They left without all three points, and now the margin for error is gone.

Next up is a trip to Espanyol, where defeat is not an option if they hope to keep the title race alive heading into the Clásico. After facing Barcelona, they will host Real Oviedo and then travel to Sevilla’s Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Their season finale comes at the Santiago Bernabéu against Athletic Club, but unless results turn quickly, the title will already be out of reach by then.