An “El Clasico” game between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is always a fiery encounter, and irrespective of the situation it’s always an important game for both teams. But this time the clash between the two biggest clubs in the history of Spanish football is going to be very crucial. It could potentially define the fate of both teams in LaLiga.
At the moment, our local rivals Atletico Madrid are on the top of the table, with 62 points to their name. Barcelona are second with 56 points and Real Madrid are third in the league, sitting two points behind Barcelona. These three teams are the main contender for the LaLiga title, after having played 26 games each with 12 Matchdays remaining.
Atletico Madrid are the current favourites, as they hold a six-point lead over second-placed Barcelona. They have drawn a crucial match against us, but they still have to face a few tough teams like Barcelona, Sevilla, Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad. They have shown the tendency to drop points in recent weeks. It wouldn’t be surprising if Atletico drops further points in the coming weeks and that will make the title race much more interesting.
To stay in the title race, both Real Madrid and Barcelona will have to win every game from here. Considering a practical case, both of them will drop points in the coming weeks like Atletico, but to keep up the pressure on Los Rojiblancos, they will have to every game. And the Clasico comes at a vital juncture, on April 11, as there will be only one winner from that game, and that will determine their fate in the league.
If Real Madrid lose to Barcelona, they will fall behind significantly in the LaLiga title race
Assuming a case where each side wins the next three games before the Clasico, there will be a gap of only two points between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. If Real Madrid wins that game, they will gain the upper hand over Barcelona in the title race by having a lead of one point over Barca. But if Barcelona manages to win or draw the Clasico, then we might fall further behind in the title race.
There are eleven other games and there are chances of both the teams dropping points in those games. But the result of the Clasico will give a great mental boost to the winner of the game. Real Madrid have two advantages in the title race. The Clasico is going to be held at their home ground Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano (though there won’t be any fans in the stadium), and they already have the head-to-head advantage against both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
But the head-to-head advantage will be considered only when there is a tie of points at the end of the LaLiga season. And for that to happen, Real Madrid need to keep up the pressure on both teams by picking up three points from every game, while managing the UEFA Champions League at the same time. And Real Madrid have to face tough teams like Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, Granada and Villarreal.
All this just makes the Clasico much more important. Another interesting thing to watch out for would be the battle between the youth brigades of Real Madrid and Barcelona. There are few well-talented players in the ranks of both teams, it’s going to be fun to watch both of them fighting it out on the pitch for three important points.