Real Madrid and Barcelona’s LaLiga calendar: what games do they have left?

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are in a commanding position at the top of the table on 78 points - with an eight-point advantage over Barcelona ahead of this evening’s Clásico at the Bernabéu.

Defeat to Atlético in Week 6

Los Blancos have suffered just one defeat during the current campaign, losing the derby 3-1 back in September. They have dropped points in just six matches: away at Sevilla, Betis, Rayo, Valencia, and at home to Rayo and Atleti but otherwise have looked solid and consistent throughout.

Looking at what is to come between now and the end of the season, perhaps the toughest game Ancelotti’s team have is next weekend’s trip to San Sebastián to face Real Sociedad. After that, they have away games against Granada and Villarreal but overall the team has coped well on the road so far.

The only potential drawback is having to juggle LaLiga and the Champions League games. While Barça bowed out of the competition, Madrid still have a tough semi-final against Bayern Munich to get through (the away leg on 30 April and the return on 8 May). Ancelotti’s only worry will be to get through both legs without any injuries but he has enough depth in the squad and his team has coped superbly without key players up until now.

Tough away games for Barcelona

On paper, Barcelona’s run-in looks slightly tougher than Madrid’s. Xavi’s troops still have to travel to Girona and Sevilla and the home games against Real Sociedad and Valencia won’t be straightforward.

Barça have lost points on the road with October’s 2-1 defeat at the Bernabéu and draws away at Mallorca, Granada, Rayo and Athletic Club. At their temporary home the Lluis Companys, they have been relatively consistent - only four teams have come away with anything: Real Madrid, Girona, Villarreal and Granada.

None of their remaining home games are particularly easy although compared to Madrid, the Catalans can just plough all of their efforts into the league. Barça have just one mid-week match - possibly the away trip to Almería. Apart from that Xavi will have the luxury of a full week to prepare for the remaining games.