The La Liga title race remains open as Real Madrid reduced Barcelona`s lead to four points with a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Getafe. With the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday in mind, Carlo Ancelotti opted to rotate his squad, relying on less regular players. The winning goal came from Arda Guler, securing all three points for his team on Wednesday.
While Real Madrid possesses a deep squad on paper, they have recently dropped points when rotating due to injuries and absences. However, Guler, showing a moment of brilliance with his weaker foot, ensured the title pursuit continues. The 20-year-old has had an inconsistent season, and this was his first goal for Real Madrid since January 6 in the Copa del Rey.
With Kylian Mbappe absent and Jude Bellingham starting on the bench, someone needed to make an impact, and Guler delivered. Following Barcelona`s win on Tuesday, pressure was on Real Madrid to secure a victory, and they responded effectively. After being eliminated from the Champions League, Real Madrid`s season objectives now center on closing the gap in La Liga and winning the Copa del Rey. A crucial late save by Thibaut Courtois was pivotal in keeping their La Liga hopes alive.
Despite expectations for a team expected to compete for all major trophies, reinforced by potential future signings, there`s a possibility that Real Madrid could finish this season without silverware.
Focus on the Cup
Resting key players like Bellingham and Rodrygo was essential to ensure Real Madrid can field their strongest team in the Copa del Rey final. While questions may persist about the team`s overall identity or balance, they have largely relied on Bellingham`s performances this season. Depth players like Guler may have hoped to push for a starting spot in the final, but they might instead be needed to provide impact if the match becomes difficult. Mbappe is expected to return and lead the attack, but even without Robert Lewandowski, overcoming Barcelona will be a significant challenge.
Adding to the challenge, Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba are expected to miss the final due to injury, according to Ancelotti, meaning Real Madrid will need a complete team performance to lift the trophy.
Title Race: Remaining Schedule
1. FC Barcelona — 76 points
Real Valladolid (A), Real Madrid (H), Espanyol (A), Villarreal (H), Athletic Club (A).
2. Real Madrid — 72 points
Celta Vigo (H), FC Barcelona (A), Mallorca (H), Sevilla (A), Real Sociedad (H).
Can Real Madrid Win the Title?
Both teams have five league matches remaining, including one more Clasico encounter. Real Madrid must win this match to have a realistic chance at the title, and they also need Barcelona to drop points in other games. Athletic Club on the final matchday presents Barcelona`s most likely challenging fixture, but the title could potentially be decided before then. Real Madrid will host Celta Vigo and Mallorca around the Clasico fixture, both of which are must-win matches. With Barcelona still competing in the Champions League, their coach Hansi Flick may be forced to rotate more than Ancelotti. However, the team that emerges victorious from El Clasico will likely be in the strongest position to lift the La Liga trophy at the end of the season.
La Liga Standings
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Barcelona | 33 | 24 | 4 | 5 | 89 | 32 | +57 | 76 |
| 2. Real Madrid | 33 | 22 | 6 | 5 | 66 | 31 | +35 | 72 |
Benedict Kingsley