As the 2024-25 La Liga campaign approaches its final phase, the competition for the title is shaping up to be one of the fiercest contests seen in recent years. Currently, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are neck-and-neck at the top of the table, both level on 60 points; however, Barcelona has one more match played than their rivals. Atlético Madrid sits in third place with 56 points after a recent setback.
The ongoing season presents a tight three-way race reminiscent of the famed 2013-14 campaign when the top three teams were likewise locked in battle after 23 rounds of fixtures. Previously that season, Atlético Madrid clinched the title, finishing three points ahead, representing their most recent triumph before the current contest.
Real Madrid, who boasts an impressive record of 36 La Liga titles, is intent on adding another to their collection despite not having retained the trophy in consecutive seasons since the 2007-08 campaign. During that successful year, they finished with an eight-point cushion over Villarreal. However, the path hasn’t been entirely smooth for Los Blancos. After starting poorly, they experienced a resurgence but have only secured three wins in their past seven league matches. Defeats against Espanyol and Real Betis highlighted the need for consistency as they now face the pressure of being chased closely by Barcelona.
Moreover, the performance of their star player Kylian Mbappé could prove pivotal in the title race. After a rocky start to the season, where he didn’t score in his first three appearances, he has now netted 20 goals and assisted three more in 26 matches, tallying a total of 23 goal involvements.
Barcelona, on the other hand, is riding a wave of momentum following a devastating 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico, a game that halted Madrid's stunning 42-game unbeaten streak in the league. Under coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona started the 2024-25 season with conviction, winning 11 of their first 12 outings and briefly leading by nine points at one stage. However, they encountered a slump with a run of four matches without victory before clinching an impressive seven consecutive wins, reinstating them at the summit.
With an average starting age of 24 years and 323 days, Barcelona's strategy has leaned heavily on youth. The Catalan club now leads the league in scoring with an astonishing 75 goals, a figure not matched since Real Madrid scored 66 goals in the 2015-16 season after the same number of fixtures. Barcelona has an upcoming key match against Real Madrid scheduled for May 11, 2025, which could further define the outcome of this thrilling campaign.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid finds itself at a crossroads after a strong start to the season, indicated by their two league titles in the past 11 years. Despite primarily being viewed as an underdog compared to the traditional heavyweights, they have re-entered the title conversation following a rocky patch evidenced by a painful 4-2 defeat at home to Barcelona after leading 2-0. This has put their title challenge in jeopardy. Currently, they sit on 56 points, their highest tally at this stage since their 2020-21 title-winning season.
Under manager Diego Simeone, Atlético has prided itself on defensive stability, leading the league in defensive stats with the fewest goals conceded at just 15 and sharing the highest number of clean sheets at 11, tied with Real Sociedad. Their performances indicate they still pose a threat to both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
As the final matches draw near, some critical fixtures may significantly influence the title race. Athletic Bilbao, who recently lost 2-0 to Barcelona in the semifinals of the Spanish Supercopa, currently maintain a secure spot in the top four. They face Barcelona in their final match of the season, critical for both teams' final standings. Ultimately, for Barcelona, a slip-up could invite Real Madrid back into contention for the title.
Real Madrid also has a crucial showdown ahead against Real Sociedad, who are currently sitting in mid-table. Madrid will be reliant on Carlo Ancelotti's guidance as they look to bolster their standings and secure a solid finish, aiming for victory against a team they have historically performed well against during their encounters.
Likewise, Girona could play a critical role in determining Atlético's title hopes, as they face struggling Girona after a more commendable last season where they secured a Champions League berth. Nonetheless, this year has proven challenging for Girona, positioned in mid-table and eager for a respectable ending. Atlético's previous encounter ended positively for them, as they secured a commanding 3-0 victory earlier this season.
The excitement of the 2024-25 La Liga season persists as the title contenders face off in a dramatic conclusion that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. As the top three clubs navigate through these pivotal moments, the question remains: who will ultimately raise the prestigious trophy once the final whistle is blown?
