Barcelona edge 14 points clear of Madrid, Villarreal seal Champions League berth
Synopsis
Barcelona inched toward their La Liga crown with a tense 2-1 win at Osasuna, stretching their advantage over Real Madrid to 14 points — a lead that could trigger mathematical confirmation this weekend if Madrid stumble against Espanyol. Villarreal's 5-1 demolition of Levante sealed their Champions League return, while Athletic Bilbao's comeback win kept their European push alive.
Key Takeaways
Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-1 on 3 May , extending their La Liga lead to 14 points over Real Madrid .
Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona ; Raul Garcia pulled one back for Osasuna .
Villarreal sealed Champions League qualification with a 5-1 home win over Levante , with Georges Mikautadze scoring twice.
Atletico Madrid won 2-0 at Valencia with a rotated squad ahead of their Champions League trip to Arsenal .
Athletic Bilbao staged a 4-2 comeback at Alaves , with Nico Williams scoring twice to keep their European hopes alive.
FC Barcelona moved within touching distance of the La Liga title with a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Osasuna on 3 May, extending their lead over Real Madrid to 14 points with four matches remaining. The win leaves Barcelona needing just one more victory to clinch the trophy, with Madrid's result against RCD Espanyol on Sunday set to determine whether the title is mathematically secured this weekend or deferred until next week's El Clasico.
Barcelona's late breakthrough
After a frustrating first hour against Osasuna's disciplined defensive setup, Barcelona broke through in the 81st minute when Robert Lewandowski converted a Marcus Rashford cross. Ferran Torres added a second five minutes later, finishing Fermin Lopez's through ball to seemingly put the contest beyond doubt. Raul Garcia reduced the deficit with an 88th-minute header, but Barcelona held firm to secure the three points.
Villarreal clinch European football
Villarreal confirmed their Champions League qualification and moved closer to securing third place with a dominant 5-1 home demolition of Levante. Georges Mikautadze capitalised on a weak back pass to open the scoring, and although Carlos Espi equalised in the 51st minute, Alberto Moleiro restored Villarreal's lead shortly after. Mikautadze added his second before late strikes from Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pepe sealed a comprehensive victory that effectively ended Levante's survival hopes.
Simeone's rotation pays off
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone fielded a heavily rotated squad ahead of next week's Champions League trip to Arsenal, yet his side still secured a 2-0 win at Valencia. Youngsters Iker Luque and Miguel Cubo scored the goals, with Valencia remaining trapped in the relegation zone and booed off by their own supporters at the final whistle.
Athletic Bilbao's European push
Athletic Bilbao kept their European aspirations alive with a 4-2 comeback victory at Alaves, a result that coincided with coach Ernesto Valverde reaching his 500th game in charge. Antonio Blanco and Nahuel Tenaglia twice put Alaves ahead, but Robert Navarro and Oihan Sancet levelled on both occasions. Nico Williams, returning to form following pelvic issues, scored twice in quick succession to seal the turnaround and keep Bilbao's top-four hopes alive.
Point of View
Yet the margin masks a concerning pattern: they have struggled to break down disciplined defences, a vulnerability that could resurface in knockout football. Villarreal's Champions League return is well-deserved, but their dominance over a crumbling Levante side offers limited insight into their readiness for Europe's elite. Meanwhile, Atletico's willingness to rest players mid-season — even against a struggling Valencia — underscores their confidence in the Arsenal tie, a gamble that could backfire if injuries strike.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points clear is Barcelona of Real Madrid in La Liga?
Barcelona are 14 points clear of Real Madrid with four matches remaining. Should Madrid fail to win against Espanyol on Sunday, Barcelona will be mathematically confirmed as champions. If Madrid wins, Barcelona will have a chance to clinch the title the following weekend against Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Who scored in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Osasuna?
Robert Lewandowski scored in the 81st minute after converting a Marcus Rashford cross, and Ferran Torres added a second five minutes later from Fermin Lopez's through ball. Raul Garcia pulled one back for Osasuna with an 88th-minute header.
Did Villarreal qualify for the Champions League?
Yes, Villarreal confirmed their Champions League qualification with a 5-1 home victory over Levante on 3 May. The win also moved them closer to securing third place in La Liga.
What was significant about Atletico Madrid's win at Valencia?
Atletico Madrid won 2-0 at Valencia despite fielding a heavily rotated squad, with Diego Simeone resting most of his regular starters ahead of next week's Champions League trip to Arsenal. Youngsters Iker Luque and Miguel Cubo scored the goals.
How did Athletic Bilbao win at Alaves?
Athletic Bilbao staged a 4-2 comeback victory at Alaves, with Nico Williams scoring twice after the hosts had twice taken the lead through Antonio Blanco and Nahuel Tenaglia. Robert Navarro and Oihan Sancet also scored for Bilbao to complete the turnaround.
