What Barcelona need to win LaLiga, and the faint hope for Real Madrid
With a seven-point lead, Barcelona have everything in their favor to become league champions.
Real Madrid’s draw with Girona at the Bernabéu may have been an almost decisive blow in the La Liga title race.
Depending on what Barcelona do this Saturday in the derby against Espanyol, the Catalan side could move six points clear of Madrid. Only a defeat for Hansi Flick’s team would keep the fight for the domestic title truly alive.
If Barcelona take another three points this round, the title picture will be all but settled. The focus would then shift to when the Catalan club could officially be crowned champion, with the added intrigue that the math suggests they could have a chance to do it in the Clásico itself against Real Madrid. In fact, as things stand, winning only their home games would already be enough, as long as that run includes the showdown with Madrid.
What games are left for Barça and Madrid?
| Date | Competition | Barcelona | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-11/04 | LaLiga (Matchday 31) | Espanyol (home) | 1-1 Girona (home) |
| 14-14/04 | Champions League (Quarterfinal) | Atlético (away) | Bayern (away) |
| 21-22/04 | LaLiga (Matchday 32) | Celta (home) | Alavés (home) |
| 25/04 | LaLiga (J 33rd) | Getafe (away) | Betis (away) |
| 28-29/04 | *Champions League semi-final first leg | *To be confirmed | *To be confirmed |
| 03/05 | LaLiga (Matchday 34) | Osasuna (away) | Espanyol (away) |
| 05-06/05 | *Champions League semi-final second leg | *To be confirmed | *To be confirmed |
| 10/05 | LaLiga (Matchday 35) | Real Madrid (home) | Barcelona (away) |
| 13/05 | LaLiga (Matchday 36) | Alavés (away) | Oviedo (home) |
| 17/05 | LaLiga (Matchday 37) | Betis (home) | Seville (away) |
| 24/05 | LaLiga (Matchday 38) | Valencia (away) | Athletic (home) |
| 30/05 | *Champions League Final | *To be confirmed | *To be confirmed |
*If they are still alive in the Champions League
Barcelona can stretch the lead to nine points
Looking at the schedule ahead for Flick’s side, one of the key tests comes this round with Espanyol’s visit. Trips to Getafe and Pamplona, along with the Clásico, look like the moments when Barcelona could, at least in theory, drop points.
Madrid have no margin for error
Real Madrid are in a desperate position, six points behind Barcelona with one more game played. Every scenario now depends on winning everything left, including difficult road games such as the trip to Betis and the Clásico away to Barcelona.
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