La Liga Title Race Intensity Peaks with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid

MADRID, Spain — The 2024-25 La Liga season is entering its final stretch, with FC Barcelona leading the pack, followed closely by Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid. As May approaches, the title race has intensified, creating a thrilling contest among Spain’s top clubs.

Currently, Barcelona holds the top position with 66 points, showcasing consistency throughout the season under head coach Hansi Flick. The team triumphantly maintained an unbeaten run in 2025, defeating Girona in their last match and holding a narrow three-point advantage over second-place Real Madrid.

On April 26, the league’s powerhouses will face each other in an eagerly anticipated El Clasico, which could prove pivotal for the title race. Ancelotti’s Real Madrid is determined to reclaim the crown and has been formidable in their quest to defend their title, currently holding 63 points.

Atletico Madrid trails the leaders with 57 points, positioning them further back after a series of disappointing results, including a recent draw with Espanyol. Despite big summer signings, such as Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez, Atletico’s chances of winning the league appear slim as they look to bounce back in upcoming matches.

As the title race heats up, here’s a breakdown of each team’s remaining fixtures:

• FC Barcelona (66 points): Real Betis (H), Leganes (A), Celta (H), Mallorca (H), Real Valladolid (A), Real Madrid (H), Espanyol (A), Villarreal (H), Athletic Club (A).
• Real Madrid (63 points): Valencia (H), Alaves (A), Athletic Club (H), Getafe (A), Celta (H), FC Barcelona (A), Mallorca (H), Sevilla (A), Real Sociedad (H).
• Atletico de Madrid (57 points): Sevilla (A), Real Valladolid (H), Las Palmas (A), Rayo Vallecano (H), Alaves (A), Real Sociedad (H), Osasuna (A), Real Betis (H), Girona (A).

This upcoming matchweek is shaping up to be a decisive moment in the title race. Atletico Madrid must secure victories in their next few matches to keep hopes alive for a competitive finish. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Real Madrid’s clash is expected to be closely fought, adding extra pressure as they approach the knockout stages of the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona is also set to meet Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, marking the culmination of a historic rivalry. Ferran Torres emphasized the significance of their recent victories, stating, “Winning here already tastes great, so you can imagine scoring the winner which books a ticket to a final.”

Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, remains a threat in all competitions and is looking to regain momentum following a 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in the previous round of the Copa del Rey. “We continue our fight in La Liga and have a strong desire to claim back-to-back titles,” said a club spokesperson.

As the race unfolds, fans can expect exhilarating football, fierce competition, and dramatic moments that are hallmarks of La Liga. With only nine matches remaining, the stage is set for an unforgettable finale.