The Spanish La Liga is reaching its final and most exciting stage, with FC Barcelona currently at the top of the league table. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are close behind, making it a three-way race. Barcelona has been the most consistent team this season, but Real Madrid remains a strong contender. The upcoming El Clasico match in Barcelona on May 11 could be pivotal in deciding the league champion, although they will also play in the Copa del Rey final prior to that.
Atletico Madrid has had a good season but is currently trailing in the title race and is considered less likely to win despite the significant summer signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City. Barcelona hired Hansi Flick as their new coach, marking the start of a new era. Flick has the potential to achieve a Treble in his first season as Barcelona is still competing for the Copa del Rey (final against Real Madrid on April 26) and the UEFA Champions League (quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund starting April 9).
Real Madrid remains a top European team and is still competitive in all competitions. After signing Kylian Mbappe as a free agent in the summer of 2024, Real Madrid has assembled a star-studded team, especially with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. leading the attack. Here`s a look at the upcoming schedule for the title contenders.
Title race
1. FC Barcelona — 66 points
Real Betis (H), Leganes (A), Celta (H), Mallorca (H), Real Vallodolid (A), Real Madrid (H), Espayol (A), Villarreal (H), Athletic Club (A).
2. Real Madrid — 63 points
Valencia (H), Alaves (A), Athletic Club (H), Getafe (A), Celta (H), FC Barcelona (A), Mallorca (H), Sevilla (A), Real Sociedad (H).
3. Atletico de Madrid — 57 points
Sevilla (A), Real Valladolid (H), Las Palmas (A), Rayo Vallecano (H), Alaves (A), Real Sociedad (H), Osasuna (A), Real Betis (H), Girona (A).
Dominic Ashworth