Real Madrid are now leading the La Liga title race following Barcelona's catastrophic 2-1 loss to Girona on Monday. Los Blancos are enduring one of the worst periods in recent memory and yet are top of the table in February.
There are 14 games remaining for Madrid to become champions and silence critics. It would be a remarkable turn of events given the heavy criticism Los Blancos' players have recieved throughout the season.
Hansi Flick's attempts to play mind games with his side's rivals has backfired. The German has been struck with karma after recent digs at the Spanish capital club.
Flick should stop asking about Real Madrid
Flick teased Madrid last week when he was asked about Barca not facing La Liga opposition in the Copa del Rey until the semi-finals. He responded: "Ask Real Madrid."
This was referencing Real's failure to beat Segunda Division side Albacete in the last 16. But a day later his side were thrashed 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final tie.
The Catalans' defensive vulnerabilities were on display at the Metropolitano. Flick had called out Los Blancos' previous dissaproval of the officiating in La Liga.
Flick then hit out at Spanish referee Gil Manzano after his side were beaten 2-1 by Real Sociedad. He was at it again last night after watching his side lose away to Girona.
The German coach told reporters (via Barca Universal): "Perhaps I would fight and or speak out more against the refereeing if we played well, but we were so bad tonight. Girona deserved the win and the result happened."
Hansi Flick could not watch as Lamine Yamal missed a crucial penalty to give Barcelona the lead against Girona 🫣 pic.twitter.com/c4kPXq5vTN
— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) February 16, 2026
At least on this occasion he admitted his side were bettered and he surely realises that his words have come back to haunt him. His obsession with Madrid has slapped him in the face and he's now at risk of watching his Blaugrana hand the title over to their El Clasico foes.
Real Madrid need to capitalise
Barca's stumble has come just at the right time for Madrid given we're entering the final period of the season. If Los Blancos can keep the momentum going after their 4-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend it could end with the La Liga title heading back to the Bernabeu.
It looks increasingly likely that a title decider will ensue on May 10th. The El Clasico battle takes place at Camp Nou and that might be the game that crowns this season's champions.
Arbeloa's response over Flick's comments were to 'ask Barcelona' following the Atleti defeat. He'll be hoping to ask his managerial rival how he feels should Real get their hands on the title.