Real Madrid in Title Race: Has the La Liga Title Slipped Away from Los Blancos?

Barcelona Pull Four Points Clear at the Top After Madrid Stumble Again; El Clasico May Arrive Too Late To Save Ancelotti’s Title Hopes.

Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes have taken a major blow after a stunning 2-1 defeat to Valencia at home. Not only did they let in Hugo Duro’s goal in the 90+5th minutes of the match to hand them the win, but Vinicius Junior also missed a crucial penalty.

However, he also scored the only goal for Los Blancos. The win also marked Valencia’s first win at Madrid’s iconic ground in 17 years. The result saw Madrid initially fall six points behind Barcelona. The Catalan side took on Real Betis later the same day.

👔 @MrAncelotti: “We have to keep fighting until the last game”.
📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 5, 2025

However, even Barca failed to take advantage of such an opportunity. They ended up drawing the match 1-1. With one point in the bag, they still extended their lead to four points at the top of the table. The title race is heating up, but the momentum may now be irreversibly in Barcelona’s favour.

Barcelona Could Clinch La Liga Before El Clasico

Hansi Flick’s men failed to beat Real Betis. Even so, they were gifted a golden opportunity to tighten their grip on the title race thanks to Madrid’s loss earlier that day. The Catalans are now sitting with 67 points, four ahead of Madrid in second place with 63 points.

With matchweek 30 done and dusted, both teams now have only eight matches to play. If Madrid’s concerning form continues, then that gap could grow quickly. As a result, the El Clasico on matchday 35 may no longer decide the title. Although, for that, it will depend more on other clubs than Barcelona.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Kylian Mbappé: Comparing Their Debut Season at Real Madrid

If Barcelona win their next four games and Madrid drop at least four points in the same period, then the title could be mathematically sealed for Barca even before a ball is kicked in that fixture. Barça would then enter El Clasico as league champions. Considering Atletico Madrid are also focusing on the title race, it probably won’t be that easy.

Real Madrid’s Path Ahead

Real Madrid are still competing in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. This means they have a packed schedule ahead. With two matches played in early April, they still have six more games left to be played across all competitions.

This includes two Champions League quarter-final games against Arsenal and the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Both are formidable opponents and Madrid will not have it easy against them. Even in La Liga, they will still face Barcelona, Athletic Club, Celta Vigo, and more. Many of these clubs are in good form now.

Also Read: UCL Quarter-Final Schedule 2025: What are the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Fixtures?

Hence, missed opportunities will only cost them and frustrations seem to be growing both on the pitch and at the stands. Fans booed Vinicius following the missed penalty against Valencia and again whenever he lost possession. The 24-year-old’s form has been under scrutiny for some weeks now.

The players need to be consistent at this point. With only a few league games left, Los Blancos will have to hope that Barcelona lose points. Otherwise, even if they win all the coming league matches, it won’t help their case. Even so, if they themselves lose more points, their grip on the La Liga crown may already be lost.

Barcelona

Carlo Ancelotti

La Liga

Real Betis

Real Madrid

Valencia

Vinicius Jr

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.