Barcelona and Real Madrid face off with La Liga on the line. This Clásico has everything: a tight points race, a head-to-head battle between top forwards, tension on the sidelines, and a chance to match historic records. If you’re still wondering what makes this clash different, here are four reasons why it matters.
1. It could decide the La Liga champion
Barcelona, sitting on 79 points, head the table and can practically secure the title themselves if they overcome Real Madrid. The Catalans would be a whopping seven points ahead with three games still remaining if they can win. Real Madrid, currently on 75 points, have no option but to win and keep dreams alive. It is a head-to-head clash without room for complacency. The Clásico comes at just the right time and can quite possibly do everything.
2. It’s Real Madrid’s last shot to salvage the season
Ancelotti’s team has already been knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and lost both domestic titles to Barcelona. LaLiga is their only realistic chance to finish the year with silverware. This game is the only way to keep that hope alive. One slip, and the pressure mounts. It’s all or nothing now.
3. Lewandowski and Mbappé neck and neck for the scoring crown
While their two teams battle for the title, their world-class strikers are in a goal-for-goal battle. Lewandowski leads the chart with 31 goals. Mbappé is right behind him with 30. The margin is paper-thin, and a head-on crash could tip the scales.
4. Barcelona could equal a rare piece of history
If they win, Barcelona will have a fourth victory over Real Madrid in the same season, something that has happened previously only once, a season ago in 1982/83. The Catalans beat Real Madrid four times out of five Clásicos at that point. This Sunday, Flick will be able to match that feat.