Saturday’s El Clasico has certainly made the title race even more interesting than before. For the first time in months Atletico Madrid has been dethroned from the top of the La Liga table although they do play on Sunday against Betis where they can regain the top spot with even a draw. However, Simeone will most definitely be looking for all 3 points. In their last league games 10 games Atletico has dropped 14 points which has seen them lose their 10 point cushion with a game in hand crumble to a measly 1 point on Friday. If they are to repeat the miracle of the 2013-14 season, they need to find their form again. This is going to be even more difficult with their talisman Luis Suarex out injured with a muscle injury along with Moussa Dembele and Joao Felix which leaves Atletico without some significant firepower.
On the other side of the city are the reigning champions Real Madrid. Prior to the international break although Real was winning games and getting results, their performances were not the most convincing. The dependence on Karim Benzema and skipper Sergio Ramos was too high but since club football resumed they are looking like a different side. Vinicius Junior had perhaps the best game in a white shirt against Liverpool, their mid field is starting to look like the dominant force it once was and even without the dynamic duo of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane Los Blancos have shown solidity at the back.
Perhaps the most surprising name in the title race considering how they began the season it was a real surprise that FC Barcelona have been able to climb this mountain. However, unlike Real Madrid, Barca have dropped their form after the International Break. Before the break Barca demolished Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium and were looking favourites to win the title despite being 4 point behind then first place Atletico Madrid. But after the break the team is looking less lively and looks bleak. This is a year of transition for the Catalonians and the mess that their previous president is being cleaned up and a La Liga title would definitely not only help the players but perhaps more significantly boost the club finances which are currently in ruin. However, they have one more silverware to fight for on the 17th of April where they face Athletic Club for the Copa Del Rey Final.
Now the most vital game in this title race would undoubtedly be Atletco Madrid taking on FC Barcelona on their home turf. The La Liga title race has never looked tighter in years. The dark horse, Sevilla is only 7 point behind Barcelona at 4th place with a game in hand and have earned themselves a mention here. It is too close to call any team favourites at the moment with only 1 point separating the top 3.
Real Madrid have the form, Atletico Madrid have the lead and Barcelona have to get back to work if they want to win this league. Atletico needs to find their goal scoring form again and Real needs to do exactly what they did last season which is win every game left in the season to not let their fate into someone else’s hands.
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