When can Barcelona officially be crowned La Liga champions? | OneFootball

Barcelona’s march towards the La Liga title is gathering serious momentum, and Real Madrid’s latest setback against Girona may prove to be the decisive turning point in the race.

Following Los Blancos’ 1-1 draw, Barcelona now find themselves in a commanding position. 

Already holding a six-point lead, they also have a crucial game in hand against Espanyol, a fixture that could stretch the gap to nine points if won.

Momentum with Barcelona

With eight matchdays still to play for Barcelona, the title is not mathematically secured. 

However, the trajectory of the season suggests that Barcelona are pulling away from their closest challengers.

Confidence within the squad continues to grow with each passing week, as performances have been consistent, results have followed, and perhaps most importantly, their rivals are beginning to falter at the worst possible moment.

Real Madrid’s inability to capitalise has only strengthened the belief that the title could be wrapped up earlier than expected.

When can Barcelona win La Liga?

All eyes are now turning towards the upcoming El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid on matchday 35, which is on May 10.

By that stage, only 12 points will remain available, making the clash potentially decisive. 

If Barcelona maintain their advantage heading into that fixture, a victory would effectively seal the title.

However, the equation is not entirely straightforward.

Head-to-head factor adds complexity

Barcelona face Real Madrid on May 10. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Real Madrid currently hold the edge in the head-to-head record after winning the first Clasico 2-1 earlier this season, and that detail could prove crucial.

If both teams were to win all their matches leading up to the encounter, Barcelona would enter the game with a nine-point lead. 

In that scenario, a win for Barça would be enough to secure the title outright.

Anything less, however, would leave the door slightly open for Real Madrid, as their superior head-to-head record could come into play.

To remove all doubt, Barcelona would ideally need to win by a margin of two goals or more to overturn that disadvantage.

There is another possibility

Interestingly, there is another scenario where Barcelona can clinch the title even before El Clasico takes place.

For that to happen, the Blaugrana would need to build a 13-point lead over Real Madrid, ensuring that goal difference or head-to-head outcomes become irrelevant.

If achieved, it would set up a remarkable occasion at the Spotify Camp Nou, where Barcelona could host their fiercest rivals, already crowned as champions.