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Well it was as basically a winner-take-all game on Saturday when Atletico faced Barcelona. While Barcelona was more motivated, both teams could have had considerable advantage rounding out La Liga if either one of them had managed a win. Barcelona is currently down 2 points so they were more desperate for the win. Atletico were simply looking to close it out once and for all as both teams entered their last 3 fixtures.
Sevilla’s last hope died with Madrid
On the other hand, Real Madrid had a chance to level with Atletico and go 2 points ahead of Barcelona which would have all but eliminated them since Madrid holds the tie-breaker. But they drew to Sevilla 2-2 on Sunday to ensure that the title race stayed exactly how it was before the weekend fixtures started.
Lastly, we have Sevilla to round out the top 4 in La Liga. They sit 6 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid. Sevilla was minutes away from turning the La Liga title into a 4 horse race but they let in a 94th minute equalizer that all shut the doors on their dreams. Mathematically, Sevilla still has a chance to win La Liga but dropping those point over the weekend makes in nearly impossible.
Three games to decide La Liga
With the 3 games left, who has the easiest schedule remaining? Advantage Barcelona. They will face 8th place Celta Vigo, 14th place Levante, and 20th place Eibar. Atletico have to take on 5th place Real Sociedad, 12th place Osasuna, and 17th place Real Valladolid. And Real Madrid will take on 6th place Villarreal, 9th place Athletic Bilbao, and 10th place Granada.
So who’s in the driver’s seat heading into the last 3 fixtures? Advantage Atletico. They are sitting on a 2 point lead so if they win out then the title is theirs. Who has the best chance to steal it from them? Advantage Real Madrid. If Madrid can win out then all they would need is one tie from Atletico and they wouldn’t even need to worry about Barcelona winning out because if there is a 3-way tie, Real Madrid will win the title.
Atletico in the driver’s seat
So how can Barcelona win La Liga? Their best hope is to win out. Then they would need Atletico to lose or tie twice and Madrid to tie once. While Barcelona does have the easiest schedule, too much needs to happen for them to be considered favorites above Real Madrid and Atletico.
