This proved to be another bad matchweek for Real Madrid. They lost 1-0 at the hands of Mallorca. An own goal from Nacho proved decisive, while Los Blancos struggled going forward, managing to get just one shot on target out of 20. That allowed Barcelona to take a 8 point lead at the top of the La Liga table.
For a good while, it had looked like Barcelona could drop points against Sevilla as well. But three goals in the second half were enough to get them a 3-0 victory and three very important points in the title race.
This is a major boost for Xavi’s side for sure and they are now very much the favourites to win the league. Yes, there is still a long way to go before anything is official, but it is Barcelona’s title to lose from here on forward.
Xavi does not seem to be getting ahead of himself though. As reported by AS, the Barcelona manager said while speaking to DAZN:
"“We are eight points ahead. Today was an important day but there is a world left. There are 18 days left.”"
Xavi sends message after going 8 points clear of Real Madrid
That should pretty much be Ancelotti’s message for the Real Madrid players as well. It is quite clear that they are not at the top of their games, and struggling for form right now. But there is still a long way to go.
Not too long ago, this same Real Madrid team was looking unstoppable and fans were wondering if they were set for a historic campaign.
So, it is very possible that Barcelona could face a downturn in form at some point in the future as well. There are still 18 matchdays to go. Real Madrid must make sure that they make the most of them, and then hope that the Catalan giants slip up.
That’s pretty much all they can do at this point. It is Barcelona’s title to lose, but the race is not over yet.