Hay Liga? Real Madrid and Barcelona's remaining fixtures...

Hay Liga? Real Madrid and Barcelona's remaining fixtures...

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It's a long shot but Barça are at least able to think positively once again

One question has been repeated since Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-0 on Sunday: Hay Liga? Is the title race back on in Spain?

The reality is that, despite Barça's thumping victory, Madrid still have one hand on the trophy. They are nine points ahead of Sevilla and 12 clear of Barça (who have a game in hand) with just nine games to go.

However, as they continue in the Champions League, with Chelsea to come, coupled with a tough run in, there are reasons for Barça to dream.

Maybe not to dream of actually winning the league, but of at least making Carlo Ancelotti's side sweat a little.

After the Clasico exhibition, Xavi was clear in his press conference: "I don't think we have enough time to win LaLiga," he warned, but he would not rule it out.

Barça need to keep winning games and hope Madrid drop nine of the 27 they still have in play. If Barça win their game in hand against Rayo, the gap will be nine points.

REAL MADRID

The game at Celta Vigo (GW30), visits to Sevilla (GW32) and Atletico Madrid (GW35) and the final game of the season against Real Betis (GW38) are in theory the toughest games left for Madrid.

In addition, they also have to play at Osasuna (GW 33) and Cadiz (GW 37). Pamplona's always tough and Cadiz have done well at home against Madrid and Barça. Madrid's easiest games should be at home against Getafe (GW31), Espanyol (GW 34) and Levante (GW 36).

BARÇA

Meanwhile, Barça are obliged to win every game to put the pressure on. And then hope. Next up is Sevilla at Camp Nou (GW30) and then there are difficult away games to come at Real Sociedad (GW 33) and Real Betis (GW 35). The final game of the season against Villarreal (GW 38) could also be tough.

Barça will be big favorites in the other six games they have: Levante away (GW31), Rayo at Camp Nou (GW21 postpones), Mallorca at home (GW34), Celta Vigo at home (GW36) and Getafe away in the penultimate fixture of the campaign (GW37).

EUROPE DISTRACTION

Beyond those games, Barça and Madrid are both balancing European matches as well. Madrid have Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinal, while Barça play Eintracht Frankfurt at the same stage of the Europa League.

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