We are down to six games left in the season and the La Liga is still up for grabs between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The May 5th match-up between these two bitter rivals looms large on the horizon as do some other key games.
1. FC Barcelona (81 points, 6 games remaining.)
Barcelona Fixtures: Valencia A, Real Madrid A, Villarreal H, Mallorca A, Osasuna H, Deportivo A
Requirements: To gain at least 13 points, or 12 while managing a result no worse than a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in their upcoming head-to-head. Should they lose 2-0 to Real Madrid they must drop no more than six points while retaining a superior goal difference (currently +68 to +40.) Barcelona can win the title on the second last day of the season at home to Osasuna.
2. Real Madrid (75 points, 6 games remaining.)
Real Madrid Fixtures: Sevilla A, Barcelona H, Valencia A, Villarreal A, Mallorca H, Osasuna A
Requirements: To recover a three point deficit whilst either beating Barcelona by two goals and securing a greater goal difference; or by beating Barcelona by more than two goals; or by managing seven points more than Barcelona.
So basically even if Barcelona loses to Real Madrid, if they pick up four more wins (and a tie) then the title is theirs. The only obstacle I see standing in Barcelona’s way, is the upcoming Champions League games against Chelsea. Beating Chelsea is important to Barca and Pep Guardiola and if he decides to rest players ahead of the midweek Champions League games, will it hurt Barcelona in the league?
I don’t think it will as I expect Barcelona to not only qualify for the Champions League final but to beat Real Madrid on May 5th and win the league comfortably.
