La Liga Power Rankings after a pivotal ‘El Clasico’ on Matchday 30
4. Sevilla
Don’t look now, but Sevilla are still in the title race. After Monday’s thrilling 4-3 win over Celta Vigo, Julen Lopetegui’s men are just six points behind Los Rojiblancos. They are hanging around thanks to their great defense, Youssef En-Nesyri’s goals, and an experienced midfield. Fernando, Ivan Rakitic, Papu Gomez, and Joan Jordan are a danger to just about any midfield in La Liga.
3. Barcelona
Barcelona’s loss to Real Madrid at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano was a tough blow to Ronaldo Koeman’s hopes of securing the title, but La Blaugrana still have a legitimate shot at the title. I mean, they are only one point behind Real Madrid and two behind Los Rojiblancos. Barcelona have the highest goal differential in the league to boot at +43, and it’s not even close. That said, after losing El Clasico, they have to sit in third in the power rankings, same as in the table.
2. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are sliding and at serious risk of moving into third. After losing to Sevilla late, they drew Sevilla’s derby rivals. These are both tough fixtures, but there has been little worth praising about Atleti recently. They suddenly look like pretenders despite still being in first. And with Luis Suarez injured, they may be in serious trouble. That said, Atleti have get-right matches against Eibar and Huesca coming up. They can ill-afford any slip-ups against either bottom-half side.
1. Real Madrid
Real Madrid were not as commanding in this match as in their last two Clasicos, but they were nevertheless deserving winners in a grueling 2-1 affair during rainy conditions and amidst another major injury. Los Blancos look like a totally different team from the side that was embarrassed 4-1 by Valencia at the Mestalla and lost to Cadiz earlier this season.
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Real won the league last year and have the look of champions again. Their resiliency and midfield dominance are sights to behold. But since they are still in the Champions League, the hits and fatigue will keep coming. No other team in the title race will be as tested as Real, but they would not have it any other way.