In February, Real Madrid enjoyed a 10 point lead over their arch rivals Barcelona, it seemed like the league was already decided, it didn't seem like Madrid were going to drop any points, after 3 years of the Catalans dominating the top spot, could this year be time for Cristiano and company to lift the league title?
The 10 point gap didn't last for long, Real Madrid drew 1-1 against Malaga at the Bernabeu, and just four days later drew 1-1 again against struggling Villarreal - who had just changed coach. In less than a week Madrid saw their ten point gap close to six points, which was still a really big cushion.
Last weekend Real Madrid hosted Valencia, it was going to be a hard match for Jose Mourinho's team. Both teams played a brilliant game, one of the most exiting games ever to finish without a single goal, mostly thanks to Valencia's keeper Vicente Guaita who did the impossible to keep out goals from such players as Ronaldo, Benzema and Di Maria. When the ref blew the final whistle, Valencia celebrated like it was a victory, Madrid seemed like they'd lost more than a match. The gap was now a mere 4 points.
There's 6 matches left for La Liga to finish, like in other years, the decider of the league could very well be "El Clasico" which will be played at the Camp Nou in the 21st of this month. If Barcelona wins, this would leave them just one point behind their rivals. considering Real Madrid have the hardest calendar, a win at the Camp Nou for Pep Guardiola's men would give them the boost they need for the final sprint in the race for the league.
Real Madrid still need still need to visit Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Granada, and they will be waiting for Sporting, Sevilla and Mallorca at the Bernabeu.Barcelona will be hosting Real Madrid, Malaga and Espanyol. They have to visit Levante, Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis.
Real Madrid have the hardest calendar, as if playing Barcelona away wasn't enough, they are up against Athletic Bilbao in San Mames, where the Basque team has only lost 3 times, and they also have to play against Sevilla who are still hoping to finish in Champions League positions.
Real Madrid haven't beaten Barcelona in La Liga since the 7th of May 2008, since then the Clasicos have been won by the Catalans 6 times, and they have drawn once. Guardiola hasn't experienced a loss in the League against Madrid. Then again, this is the first time in a few years that Barcelona will play as 'the underdogs', for last year's winner is all or nothing. If Madrid were to secure a win at the Camp Nou in two weeks time, they would be 9 points clear on top with only 12 points in play. For once it's Madrid's title to lose, and they're not about to let it go without a fight.
Source: DSG
