The race for the La Liga title has made for compelling viewing throughout the season, with the momentum swinging in favor of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid at different stages.
However, the momentum is firmly with Barcelona at this late stage of the campaign, as Hansi Flick bids to deliver the top prize in Spain in his first season in charge of the club. There could yet be further success on the horizon for the Catalan club, as they remain in contention for top prizes in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. If this was horse racing best bets would go to the Blaugrana right now.
But, Barcelona will need to continue playing at their highest level to maintain their advantage at the top of the standings, as both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid remain within striking distance.
Title In Barcelona’s Hands
Flick’s Barcelona will have the title in their own hands in the final two months of the season. The league leaders currently have a three-point advantage over Real Madrid, but the momentum is firmly in their favor.
Barcelona have won their last nine in the league, and they have now recorded two more victories than any other side in the competition. Their attacking record has been staggering this season, and they are on course to eclipse 100 goals in 2024-25.
Still, they have also impressed defensively after allowing just 28 goals. Barcelona could be on course to eclipse the 88 points with which they won the title in 2022-23. But, they will face some challenging fixtures if they are to get over the line this season.
What Do Barcelona Have Left?
Barcelona are still fighting on multiple fronts, meaning that there will be important Champions League and Copa del Rey clashes in between their La Liga matches between now and the end of the season.
However, their fixtures on paper indicate that they are challenging to overcome in the league, and they could feasibly win every remaining match in the top-flight.
In between their Champions League clashes with Dortmund, Barcelona take on Leganes, before hosting Celta Vigo and Mallorca. In the final month of the season, Barcelona takes on Valladolid, Espanyol, and Villarreal, before a final day showdown with Athletic Bilbao.
All Eyes on El Clasico
The most important match of the La Liga season looks set to take place on May 11, as Real Madrid travel to Barcelona. If the gap at the summit remains as it is, it could be a pivotal clash in determining the 2024-25 champions.
However, it could yet be a clash that Barcelona could afford to lose if they win all their other matches in the competition. A three-point gap between the sides, but a better goal difference in favor of Flick’s side will see them hold the advantage.
Barcelona will take confidence from their recent clashes with Los Blancos, which includes a 4-0 success in the reverse fixture this term. Robert Lewandowski netted twice in that success, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha also found the back of the net.
Barcelona have now won three of their last six matches against Real Madrid in the league, and each of the last two across all competitions.
Real Madrid to Retain Title?
All the pressure will be on Real Madrid, as they aim to retain the La Liga title for the first time since 2007-08. Los Blancos have been indifferent in recent weeks after allowing seven goals across their last two matches in all competitions.
Despite that, Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain in contention in all three major competitions, even edging their city rivals in a penalty shootout in the Champions League. Real Madrid still have one of the best attacking records in La Liga this term, with only Barcelona scoring more goals.
However, they will be relying on favors from elsewhere if they are to retain the title. Los Blancos have a more challenging run-in on paper than their title rivals. After a home match with Valencia, and a Champions League tie with Arsenal, Ancelotti’s side host Champions League-chasing Athletic Bilbao, before traveling to Getafe and hosting Celta Vigo.
The must-win El Clasico with Barcelona arrives in mid-May, before showdowns against Mallorca, Sevilla, and Real Sociedad are their final three matches of the 2024-25 season.
Are Atletico Madrid Out Of The Title Race?
At the end of January, there was a serious sense that Atletico Madrid could throw down a challenge for the La Liga title. However, their credentials have diminished in recent weeks after dropping into third and falling nine points behind Barcelona.
Their recent struggles are evident after going three without a win. A Champions League spot looks assured at this stage, but they will need a minor miracle to feature in the title race.
But, they could at least put pressure on the top two by making a winning end to the season. Atletico face some interesting challenges against Rayo Vallecano, Real Sociedad, and Real Betis. But, all they can do is win their matches to put pressure on their Spanish rivals.
