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El Clasico traditionally goes a long way towards determining the Spanish title, but Sunday’s matchup could all but seal the league for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are three points ahead of rival Barca, and have a game in hand with five games remaining. With a weak domestic schedule in May, a win Sunday could all but clinch Madrid’s first Liga title since 2012.
In their way are the usual suspects, both within striking distance should Madrid stumble. Barcelona can get hot at any moment, and don’t have to worry about the midweek stresses of Champions League play. Atletico Madrid have drawn Los Blancos in the Champions League semifinals, but would need some luck to overcome a seven-point deficit.
1. Real Madrid
Points: 75
Last 10 Matches: 7-2-1
Remaining Fixtures: at Deportivo, vs Valencia, at Granada, vs Sevilla, at Malaga
Worth Mentioning: Even without Gareth Bale, Real Madrid are in fine form heading into the final month of the season. After outlasting Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, Zinedine Zidane has his team in position for both a domestic and European championship. The only question is depth, as injuries to both Varane and Pepe have Madrid thin at the back.
2. Barcelona
Points: 75
Last 10 Matches: 8-0-2
Remaining Fixtures: vs Osasuna, at Espanyol, vs Villarreal, at Las Palmas, vs Eibar
Worth Mentioning: Neymar’s three-match ban could stand as the end of an era for Barcelona. With Luis Enrique on the way out, Barcelona are looking ahead at the Copa del Rey final at their best chance to raise a trophy this year. Barca can point to their road performance as their weakness this season: they were outscored 7-0 in their final two Champions League road games this season, and have lost to both Malaga and Las Palmas on the road this season.
3. Atletico Madrid
Points: 68
Last 10 Matches: 7-2-1
Remaining Fixtures: vs Villarreal, at Las Palmas, vs Eibar, at Real Betis, vs Bilbao
Worth Mentioning: When it comes to titles, Atletico remains a bridesmaid. They will once again qualify for Champions League next season, but are likely out of contention for a domestic title. They still have a shot in Europe, however, as they meet Real Madrid in May with a ticket to Cardiff on the line. Diego Simeone and Atletico are looking to head back to the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons.
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