FC Barcelona Smiles After Their Victory: The Madrid Derby Could Change LaLiga

The victory of FC Barcelona against Alavés was strategic for the aspirations of the culés to lift the LaLiga title at the end of the season. The azulgrana team convincingly defeated the babazorros in Montjuïc (1-0) with a goal from Robert Lewandowski, accumulating 45 points, placing them four behind the 49 of the leader, Real Madrid, who were defeated by Espanyol last Saturday (1-0).

The 'setback' of the merengues not only favors the culés but also an Atlético de Madrid that did their homework against Mallorca (2-0) and is now just one point behind (48) the whites. However, next matchday, the Spanish championship could be shaken up, as the colchoneros will face Carlo Ancelotti's team in the Madrid derby on Saturday, February 8.

The result of this match could change everything in LaLiga, as a rojiblanco victory would put them at the top, while a win for the vikings would widen the gap at the top and allow Barça to seize second place. In any case, any result will be beneficial for the Catalans, who are also obliged to secure three points in their visit to Sevilla on Sunday, February 9, to stay in the title race.

The Calendar Tightens for Madrid

Madrid is playing for their 'life' in this second month of the year. Not entering directly into the Champions League round of 16, the whites will have to face Manchester City in a demanding two-legged tie, in addition to facing Atleti and Girona at home and Osasuna at Sadar, the stadium that witnessed Barça's first defeat of the season.

In contrast, culés and colchoneros will have two fewer matches this February, awaiting their possible qualification for the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, a tournament in which they will face Valencia and Getafe, respectively, in the quarterfinals next week. The whites, on the other hand, will fight for a spot in the next round against Leganés.

If they make it to the semis, the three giants of Spain would play the first leg on Wednesday the 26th, a week before the first leg matches of the Champions round of 16. In the league competition, meanwhile, Hansi Flick's team has already faced Alavés and will do the same with Rayo, while visiting Sevilla and Las Palmas. LaLiga is 'on fire'.