Sporting Gijon delivered a fatal blow to Real Madrid last Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Is La Liga really over?
Barcelona's future depends on its performance in the next few games, as they lock horns with Shakhtar next Wednesday to reach Champions League semi-finals, before visiting Madrid for El Clasico in the 32nd round of the Spanish League.
Even without Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal and Maxwell, Barcelona has proven its versatility to adapt to awkward situations with great success.
Sergio Busquests' performance as full back has been rather promising, as well as Javier Mascherano's understanding of the inner works of the team from the midfield.
"We're all made from the same clay" said Barcelona's star Lio Messi. "We're always in motion, there are no fixed positions. We have great liberty yo maneuver, as long as we don't forget we're working for the team" he added.
Real Madrid will have to be extremely effective to jeopardize Barcelona's Liga leadership. Even if Mouinho's Blancos defeat Barcelona at the Bernabeu, Barcelona must still either lose two of the seven remaining games or tie at least three, considering Real Madrid manages to keep a perfect scoring against Athletic, Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal.
Seven years ago, Barcelona was leading the tournament with a comfortable nine-points advantage eight games away from the end. Real Madrid fought until its last breath, but their quest proved to be fruitless as Barcelona ended at the top with 84 points, four above los Blancos.
The next year, in the 75th edition since the establishment of the Spanish League, Barcelona's advantage was even bigger. eleven points above after the 30th round and twelve by the end of the league.
In 2006-2007 the title changed hands in the last eight games. Barcelona had a five-points lead but Real Madrid managed to join them at the first position, lifting the title thanks to goal difference.
Los Blancos claimed the following title as well, before giving Barcelona once again complete dominance of the Spanish football.
Is all hope really lost for Real Madrid? Both Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare for midweek's Champion League action, facing Shakhtar and Tottenham respectively.
Even without Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal and Maxwell, Barcelona has proven its versatility to adapt to awkward situations with great success.
Sergio Busquests' performance as full back has been rather promising, as well as Javier Mascherano's understanding of the inner works of the team from the midfield.
"We're all made from the same clay" said Barcelona's star Lio Messi. "We're always in motion, there are no fixed positions. We have great liberty yo maneuver, as long as we don't forget we're working for the team" he added.
Real Madrid will have to be extremely effective to jeopardize Barcelona's Liga leadership. Even if Mouinho's Blancos defeat Barcelona at the Bernabeu, Barcelona must still either lose two of the seven remaining games or tie at least three, considering Real Madrid manages to keep a perfect scoring against Athletic, Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal.
Seven years ago, Barcelona was leading the tournament with a comfortable nine-points advantage eight games away from the end. Real Madrid fought until its last breath, but their quest proved to be fruitless as Barcelona ended at the top with 84 points, four above los Blancos.
The next year, in the 75th edition since the establishment of the Spanish League, Barcelona's advantage was even bigger. eleven points above after the 30th round and twelve by the end of the league.
In 2006-2007 the title changed hands in the last eight games. Barcelona had a five-points lead but Real Madrid managed to join them at the first position, lifting the title thanks to goal difference.
Los Blancos claimed the following title as well, before giving Barcelona once again complete dominance of the Spanish football.
Is all hope really lost for Real Madrid? Both Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare for midweek's Champion League action, facing Shakhtar and Tottenham respectively.
