Winning La Liga is now an obligation for Barca

This league cannot slip away. After the double European elimination, Barça need a big title so that the foundations of the new project do not crumble. The failure in the Champions League and the disappointment in the Europa League have dealt a blow to the team's credibility. And only winning La Liga can give stability to a club that is desperately struggling to emerge from its triple sporting, economic and institutional crisis. Barça's performance in the league gives cause for optimism.

The Blaugrana have won 19 of 22 matches played, with two draws and just one defeat, in the Clasico at the Bernabéu. The solvency of Xavi's side (Ter Stegen has only conceded seven goals, at an average of 0.3 goals per game) has allowed them to gain a seven-point lead over Madrid. That could be 10 today if they beat Almeria thanks to Los Blancos' slip-up in the derby against Atletico. An important difference, very important, but not definitive. And now it's time to defend it tooth and nail. There is still a long way to go for Barça to become a champion team again. But there are solid footballing arguments for the resurrection to become a reality. The tactical and psychological work of the coach has been key to transforming a dressing room that is absolutely committed to the club's roadmap. 

The extraordinary financial investment (more than 200 million euros) made over the last year in signings needs an immediate return. Laporta has had to pull 'levers' to be able to spend money that Barça did not have. And only big titles will justify this risky gamble.

A league and cup double (a treble if you also count the Spanish Super Cup) would be a success for this new project. Despite the European disappointments. Xavi himself acknowledged it: "Winning both titles would be a very good season". The Blaugrana coach is aware that the league is almost an obligation. And even more so after Madrid's draw against Atlético: "We are leaders and we depend on ourselves."

We can't fail. Winning La Liga is already an obligation. The elimination against Manchester United must be an incentive for the team to grow and offer its best version in La Liga. Starting with a victory this afternoon in Almería -- which would allow them to take an almost definitive step towards success.