Can FC Barcelona be league champions before the Clásico?

FC Barcelona now leads LaLiga with a four-point advantage over Real Madrid. The defeat of the 'merengues' against Valencia (1-1), combined with the draw of the culés against Betis (1-1), allowed Hansi Flick's team to increase the gap in the standings, although a Barcelona victory in Montjuïc would have practically sealed the championship for Barça.

Still, the Catalans still have a chance to celebrate the title before the Clásico of matchday 35, to be held in Montjuïc. Both teams have four matches to play before the encounter scheduled for Saturday, May 10, or Sunday, May 11, with another 12 points at stake leading up to what will be the fourth Barça-Madrid of the season, after the Copa del Rey final.

What does Barça need to seal the league title before the Clásico?

In principle, Barça could arrive with the title in hand by winning their next four matches against Leganés (away), Celta (home), Mallorca (home), and Valladolid (away), as long as Real does not earn more than 4 points in the next four matchdays. Carlo Ancelotti's team visits Alavés next week and will then face Athletic (home), Getafe (away), and Celta (home).

If Barça collects their next 12 points, they will arrive at the Clásico with 79, while Madrid would have 67 points with four matchdays left in the season. With a 12-point difference, with the same number of matches to play and the double disadvantage of the direct confrontation (4-0 in favor of the culés) and goal difference, the title would be sealed in favor of the azulgrana.

Of course, we also have to wait to see what Atlético does during that stretch. The 'colchoneros' fell apart in March, being eliminated from the Champions League and earning only 1 of their last 9 points in LaLiga, but if they beat Sevilla away on Sunday, they will get back within 7 points of Flick's team. In any case, the 'rojiblancos' options are practically nil, but they still have a chance to displace Madrid from second place if the 'merengues' collapse in April.

The schedule for Barça and Madrid in the final stretch of LaLiga