Spain`s La Liga is currently entering its critical final stage. Barcelona is widely expected to secure the title in what is their first season under German manager Hansi Flick. Barcelona has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, particularly highlighted by their recent 4-3 triumph over Real Madrid in Sunday`s El Clasico. This crucial win has extended their lead to a significant seven points with only three matches remaining in the current campaign.
Flick`s squad has a clear opportunity to claim the championship this week. They can do so by winning their upcoming match on Thursday against Espanyol. The title could potentially be sealed even sooner if Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid drops points in their match against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu. (Ancelotti is reportedly preparing to leave to manage Brazil ahead of the World Cup, at least for now).
Despite their recent UEFA Champions League elimination against Arsenal in the quarterfinals, Real Madrid remains one of Europe`s top teams. Following the acquisition of French star Kylian Mbappe as a free agent in the summer of 2024, Los Blancos boast a star-studded attack featuring Mbappe alongside Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. However, thus far, Barcelona has proven to be the stronger side overall, notably having scored 23 more goals than Real Madrid.
Let`s examine the upcoming schedule for the leading teams:
La Liga Standings
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Barcelona | 35 | 26 | 4 | 5 | 95 | 36 | +59 | 82 |
| 2. Real Madrid | 35 | 23 | 6 | 6 | 72 | 37 | +35 | 75 |
Title Race: Remaining Schedule
1. FC Barcelona — 82 points
Espanyol (A), Villarreal (H), Athletic Club (A).
2. Real Madrid — 75 points
Mallorca (H), Sevilla (A), Real Sociedad (H).
Dominic Ashworth