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Despite just eight days remaining in the Spanish Primera calendar, Real Madrid and Barcelona entered Sunday as close as they were on opening day. The rival clubs are deadlocked at 84 points, but an extra game for Madrid will play a massive role in the final standings.
Madrid face their biggest remaining challenge on Sunday, when they host Sevilla in their final home fixture of the season. Sevilla ended Madrid’s 40-game unbeaten run in the previuos meeting, but Madrid have been rolling in the final month of the season. Bale is out, but younger players like Isco and Marco Asensio have stepped up to become key players for the club. Madrid is gunning to return to the top of La Liga, then go for a second consecutive Champions League title.
After a disappointing Champions League exit, Barcelona, despite still in contention for a domestic double, have won five straight league matches. Barca visit Las Palmas on Sunday, then have a home finale against Eibar that could feature lots of scoreboard watching from the fans.
Here’s how the teams stack up:
1. Barcelona
Points: 84
Last 10 Matches: 9-0-1
Remaining Fixtures: at Las Palmas, vs Eibar
Worth Mentioning: After missing out on Champions League, Barca are closing the season strong. They’ve won five straight and scored 20 goals in the process, all while knowing it might not be enough. Barcelona need to win out, then hope Madrid stumbles in their final three games. If Barcelona finish second, fans will point to some disappointing road performances and an aging roster as the blame.
2. Real Madrid
Points: 84
Last 10 Matches: 7-0-3
Remaining Fixtures: vs. Celta Vigo, at Malaga
Worth Mentioning: Real Madrid have only won the title once since 2008. It’s pretty crazy to think about considering their record, but Zinedine Zidane looks to rectify this problem with a big week in club history. Roster management will be key, as Madrid will need to rotate their squad to be rested for a massive midweek fixture against Celta Vigo. If Madrid can pick up six points between now and next Sunday, they can enter the last day of the season knowing just one point will being home the title.