With just eight matches remaining, the La Liga title race is delicately poised. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid have all occupied top spot at different stages this campaign, but as the finish line draws nearer, it is Hansi Flick's Barcelona who appear to be in the driving seat — albeit with little margin for error.

BARCELONA TAKE SLIM ADVANTAGE
Barcelona remain top of the table with 67 points from 30 games. However, they missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead significantly after being held to a draw by Real Betis. This came in the wake of Real Madrid's unexpected 2–1 defeat to Valencia at the Bernabeu — their first league loss to Los Che at home since 2008.

Despite the frustration of two dropped points, the Catalan giants did manage to edge a point further ahead. And with a favourable run of fixtures ahead, Barça have the chance to consolidate their position. Flick's men visit relegation-threatened Leganes next, before hosting Celta Vigo and Mallorca — two matches they'll be expected to win.

They then face bottom-placed Real Valladolid before the season's most anticipated clash: El Clasico at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11. A victory there could effectively crown Barcelona champions for the first time since 2023.

BARCELONA'S NEXT FIVE FIXTURES

12 Apr: away to Leganes
19 Apr: home to Celta Vigo
22 Apr: home to Mallorca
4 May: away to Real Valladolid
11 May: home to Real Madrid

REAL MADRID AT CROSSROADS
Defending champions Real Madrid find themselves four points adrift following a run of inconsistent performances. Their defeat to Valencia not only broke a long-standing unbeaten streak at home against the visitors, but also exposed a dip in form that's been brewing for several weeks.

Carlo Ancelotti's side must now respond — and quickly. Their next five fixtures present a mixed bag: a trip to struggling Alaves, a testing encounter at home to Athletic Bilbao, and an unpredictable away fixture against Getafe. They then welcome Celta Vigo to the Bernabéu before the potential season-defining trip to face Barcelona.

Madrid must be flawless from here on out if they're to stand a realistic chance of overhauling their great rivals. Win all five, and the title race could go right down to the wire.

REAL MADRID'S NEXT FIVE FIXTURES

13 Apr: away to Alaves
20 Apr: home to Athletic Bilbao
23 Apr: away to Getafe
4 May: home to Celta Vigo
11 May: away to Barcelona

ATLETICO MADRID: CLINGING TO HOPE

Atletico Madrid may sit third on 60 points, but Diego Simeone's side are far from out of the race. Their dramatic stoppage-time win over Sevilla last weekend — courtesy of a Pablo Barrios strike — ensured they remain within touching distance of the top.

If Atletico are to mount a serious challenge, the next five games will be crucial. They begin with back-to-back fixtures against the division's bottom two: Real Valladolid at home and Las Palmas away. Then comes a Madrid derby against Rayo Vallecano — a fixture Simeone hasn't lost in over a decade.

Trips to relegation-threatened Alaves and a final showdown against Real Sociedad follow. By the time that last fixture rolls around, we'll know whether Atletico are genuine contenders or destined to fall short once again.

ATLETICO MADRID'S NEXT FIVE FIXTURES

14 Apr: home to Real Valladolid
19 Apr: away to Las Palmas
22 Apr: home to Rayo Vallecano
4 May: away to Alaves
11 May: home to Real Sociedad

ALL EYES ON MAY 11
If current trends hold, all signs point towards a titanic El Clasico on May 11 deciding the fate of La Liga. Should Barcelona hold their nerve and form, they could enter the match with the opportunity to secure the title in front of their home fans. But if Madrid string together wins, a victory in Catalonia could swing the pendulum back their way.

Meanwhile, Atletico will be watching, and waiting — ready to pounce if either of the frontrunners slip.

The final stretch of this Spanish football season promises drama, tension, and perhaps a few surprises. One thing is certain: La Liga is set for a thrilling conclusion.