Real Madrid still have a mountain to climb after Barcelona’s draw with Valencia

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Valencia on Sunday at the Mestalla. With Real Madrid’s victory over Malaga, Madrid inch two points closer in the La Liga title hunt. But they’ve still got a mountain to climb.

Real Madrid fans across the globe were watching with bated breath as FC Barcelona traveled to Valencia. Madrid have been enjoying an abysmal start to their La Liga title defense, and this weekend has since been marked on the calendar as a potential opportunity for Madrid to make up a bit of their lost ground. Marcelino has his Valencia squad firing on all cylinders, with  Valencia sitting in second place in La Liga.

Valencia fought Barcelona tooth and toenail, and managed to eke by with a single point. Barcelona are going to be feeling rightfully aggrieved by the poor refereeing in this match. There was a very clear Barcelona goal in the first half that was incorrectly ruled to have not crossed the line. Barcelona should have had two goals, rather than the one which was only good enough for a draw.

Nevertheless, the result stands. Madrid defeated Malaga 3-2 on Saturday, which means they gain two crucial points in their hunt for the La Liga title. But still, Madrid have an absolute mountain to climb.

Barcelona sit at 35 points, Madrid at 27. Madrid would need to win both of the El Clásico fixtures this season, while also hoping that Barcelona slip up again, AND staying perfect themselves. Madrid fans should not get ahead of themselves following this draw. Madrid still have a ton of work to do.

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One reason to remain skeptical about Los Blancos’ title chances is that Real Madrid simply have not looked anything close to the dominant side that won the double last season. The only time Madrid have looked seriously in charge this season is against APOEL FC, who are so seriously outmatched by Madrid that anything less would have been an embarrassment. Madrid have not truly put a good team to the sword yet, and Madrid’s offense still looks lethargic and disconnected half the time. That doesn’t bode well for Madrid’s ability to remain perfect throughout the rest of the season.

Real Madrid will also be fighting across all competitions, which means Zidane’s rotation policy will be tested. Last season, Zidane put faith in the quality that he had on the bench. Madrid still have a deep bench this year, but perhaps nowhere near the quality of stars that sat on the bench last season.

Madrid’s two points in this match week are crucial. They can give us a bit of hope to latch onto, and something to carry into our next La Liga fixture. But let’s not kid ourselves. Madrid have a Messi sized mountain standing in between them and the La Liga title. Onwards and upwards!

Next: Three takeaways from Madrid's victory over Malaga

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