La Liga Power Rankings after a pivotal ‘El Clasico’ on Matchday 30

A lot happened in La Liga on Matchday 30. Real Madrid took down Barcelona in El Clasico, Atletico Madrid dropped points against Real Betis, and Celta Vigo and Sevilla played out one of the best games of the 2020-2021 season.

How did the results this week impact the power rankings? Let’s take a look at the 10 best teams in the league, based on their overall strength this season.

10. Athletic Club

Athletic Club have drawn four straight games, including taking points off Real Sociedad. Like Celta Vigo, they only narrowly lost to a top opponent, falling 2-1 to Atletico Madrid a few weeks ago. Celta are one spot higher in the table, but Athletic Club are tied on points and have the superior goal differential. While their attack is weak, their defense is strong and they are the more consistent side. Celta’s defense will be their undoing, as we saw on Monday night vs. Sevilla.

9. Granada

Some way, somehow, Granada keep getting the job done and are 8th in the table despite a ghastly -14 goal differential. To compare, the only other La Liga team outside the relegation zone with a lower goal differential is Cadiz. They defeated Real Sociedad in mid-March, but they have since lost to Valencia and then 3-0 to fellow Europa League quarterfinalists Villarreal. It is unlikely they get back into the Europa League next season, but they are still in the mix.