Spanish Title Race in the Balance
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La Liga was set for a huge weekend as the top four teams met each other in what was a crucial couple of days in terms of the title race in Spain.
On Saturday afternoon, Barcelona played host to Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou. Prior to kick off, Atletico Madrid were top of the table on 76 points, with Real Madrid in second place on 74 points and Barcelona in 3rd place, also on 74 points.
A win for Barcelona would have moved them to the top of the table ahead of Real Madrid’s game at Sevilla on Sunday. A victory for Atletico Madrid would have seen them open a 4 point gap over both Barcelona and Real Madrid, effectively ending the title hopes of Ronald Koeman’s team.
It was always going to be a tense game and one Diego Simeone was determined not to lose and that is how it panned out. Atletico Madrid started the game well and were on the front foot but could not find the crucial opening goal and Barcelona had the better of the latter stages.
The 0-0 draw handed the advantage to Real Madrid ahead of their match at home against fourth place Sevilla. It was never going to be an easy game for Zinedine Zidane’s team and in some ways, the result in Barcelona only added to the pressure of the fixture, knowing a win would see the move level on points with Atletico Madrid but above them to the top of the table.
Ivan Rakitic scored from the spot to make it 2-1 on 78 minutes and that offered Sevilla hope of a vital win which would have seen them re-enter the title race. However, Real Madrid had other ideas and Toni Kroos stepped up with a late equaliser to seal a point for the hosts and keep them withing touching distance of the leaders.
The draw for Real Madrid seemed like a victory given the late equalising goal but ultimately, it was crucial dropped points with only three games remaining for each team.
This weekend was supposed to see one team emerge as the clear favourite to win the title but instead it simply added to the confusion. Atletico Madrid will be happy that the title is still in their own hands. They have fixtures remaining against Real Sociedad and Osasuna at home plus Valladolid away.
Barcelona have Levante away, followed by Celta Vigo at home, and Eibar away. Real Madrid will play Granada and Athletic Club away, before facing Villarreal at home.
Real Madrid have arguably the toughest remaining fixtures and Atletico Madrid will believe if they can win their next two matches, both of which are at home, it could be good enough to seal the title. Atletico Madrid must be considered the favourites, with Barcelona next in line, followed by Real Madrid.
However, it will be interesting to see what happens if it goes down to the final day. Real Madrid face Villarreal at home, who have a Europa League final to play against Manchester United and may chose to rest key players.
Whatever happens, it is going to be a thrilling end to the season in Spain.
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