Barcelona one win away from La Liga glory as Madrid faces Espanyol pressure
Synopsis
Barcelona stand 90 minutes from their first La Liga crown in two years, needing only a win over ninth-placed Osasuna combined with a Real Madrid stumble against Espanyol. With Mbappe, Militao, and Guler injured, Madrid's title defence has crumbled into a survival narrative — one that could hinge on a single weekend.
Key Takeaways
Barcelona can win La Liga this weekend with victory over Osasuna and a Real Madrid loss to Espanyol .
Real Madrid are without Kylian Mbappe , Eder Militao , and Arda Guler due to injury.
Villarreal need one point against Levante to confirm Champions League qualification.
If the title is not decided this weekend, Barcelona vs Real Madrid on 10 May will likely settle it.
Girona vs Mallorca kicks off Friday's action in a critical relegation battle.
Sevilla face Real Sociedad on Monday while in the relegation zone.
Barcelona could be crowned La Liga champions this weekend if they defeat Osasuna on Saturday and Real Madrid lose to Espanyol on Sunday, potentially settling Spain's top-flight title race before the final fortnight. The parallel matches represent a defining moment in the 2025–26 season, with multiple teams battling for Champions League qualification and survival.
Barcelona's path to the crown
Barcelona will be without young winger Lamine Yamal for the trip to Osasuna, though Raphinha is expected to return from injury. Osasuna, currently ninth and chasing a European spot, will miss defender Victor Munoz due to injury, according to reports. A Barcelona win combined with a Madrid slip would hand the Catalan club their first title in two years.
Madrid's injury crisis deepens
Real Madrid travel to face a struggling Espanyol side that has won just once in 2026. The defending champions are severely depleted, with Eder Militao, Arda Guler, and Kylian Mbappe all sidelined through injury. With the title mathematically slipping away, Madrid may prioritise player recovery ahead of upcoming continental commitments.
The May 10 decider
Should the title remain unsettled after this weekend, a direct clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid on 10 May would likely decide the championship. This scenario would intensify an already fractious rivalry heading into the final stretch.
Champions League and relegation battles
Villarreal CF need just one point against Levante to secure Champions League qualification, while Levante are fighting relegation. Villarreal could also confirm a top-four finish if Real Betis fail to beat bottom-placed Oviedo.
The weekend's action begins on Friday with Girona facing Mallorca in a crucial relegation six-pointer. A loss could see Mallorca slip into the bottom three. Valencia can almost ensure safety with a win over Atletico Madrid, whose coach Diego Simeone may rotate his squad ahead of a Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
Basque derby and European intrigue
Alaves host Athletic Club in a Basque derby, with both teams needing points to avoid the drop. Elche, energised by their first away victory of the season, face Celta Vigo. Getafe meet Rayo Vallecano, who are preparing for a European semi-final.
Final day drama
The round concludes on Monday with Sevilla, currently in the relegation zone, hosting Real Sociedad, who have already secured Europa League football and carry less pressure into their fixture. The outcome could determine whether Sevilla face a playoff for survival or secure their league status.
Point of View
Yet it hinges on Madrid's collapse rather than their own dominance. Real Madrid's injury list — Mbappe, Militao, Guler — reads like a roster of title-winning talent sidelined at the worst moment. The defending champions are not defending; they are limping. If Barcelona fail to capitalise on this window, it will be a missed opportunity that haunts them for seasons. The May 10 Clasico looms as a potential title decider, but by then, the narrative may already be written.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Barcelona win La Liga this weekend?
Yes. Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champions if they beat Osasuna on Saturday and Real Madrid lose to Espanyol on Sunday. Otherwise, the title race continues to the May 10 Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Which Barcelona players are unavailable?
Barcelona will be without young winger Lamine Yamal for the match against Osasuna, though winger Raphinha is expected to return from injury.
What injuries affect Real Madrid?
Real Madrid are severely depleted, with Kylian Mbappe, Eder Militao, and Arda Guler all sidelined through injury heading into their match against Espanyol.
What is at stake for Villarreal this weekend?
Villarreal need just one point against Levante to confirm Champions League qualification. They could also secure a top-four finish if Real Betis fail to beat bottom-placed Oviedo.
When is the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match?
If the title is not decided this weekend, Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off on 10 May, a match that would likely determine the 2025–26 La Liga champion.
