The race for the title of the Spanish champions unexpectedly went into a wild finale. Barcelona with three straight defeats allowed their Madrid rivals Atletico and Real to get back into a game, who only a month ago were behind 10 or 12 points.
Five rounds before the end of the Spanish Liga BBVA Barcelona and Atletico are on 76 points, while the third-placed side, Real Madrid is one point behind, but also in good form with seven consecutive wins.
Barcelona, who’s having the biggest crisis since 2003, in the last five games will play three times away, against – Deportivo, Betis and Granada, and will host Sporting and Espanyol. With all five wins Barcelona certainly would defend the title because they have a better mutual ratio in comparison to Atletico.
Catalans have a favorable schedule since Deportivo and Betis are nine points, while Espanyol seven points away from the relegation zone. However, Sporting and Granada against Barcelona will probably chase points for survival in the Spanish Primera.
Atletico only with three home games
Difficult game is waiting for Atletico in the next round when Simeone’s side will play at Bilbao, who does not give up the fight for fourth place, which leads to the Champions League. Then Atletico welcomes Malaga and Rayo, will play away at Levante and in the last round welcomes Celta.
Real Madrid with the worst schedule but in the best form
Zinedine Zidane’s men will have a tough schedule with three away games at Rayo, Sociedad and Deportivo, and home games against Villarreal and Valencia. In addition, the Los Blancos have the worse mutual ratio in duels with Barcelona and with Atletico, whose “blunders” Real Madrid have to wait to became the champion of Spain after four years.