Permutations in full: How Barcelona can clinch La Liga title in El Clasico | OneFootball

Los Blancos hoping to deny early trophy celebrations for the Blaugrana

Barcelona and Real Madrid face off this weekend in the 264th El Clasico, but this one has slightly more riding on it than usual.

Come the end of a dramatic week in both clubs’ seasons, this match stands to settle the La Liga season.

Barcelona come into tie atop the table with Real Madrid sitting second, and, depending on the result, could confirm their status as champions come the full-time whistle.

They may fancy their chances against this crisis-stricken Real, whose camp has been struck by behind-the-scenes turmoil.

Amid reports Alvaro Arbeloa has fallen out with various members of his squad, Federico Valverde was hospitalised following an altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, for which both parties were fined €500,000.

And the looming prospect of a trophyless season has seen Madristas launch a petition to have Kylian Mbappe sold, garnering millions of signatures.

Barcelona come into this Clasico atop the La Liga standings with 88 points, 11 clear of second-placed Real Madrid, with four matches left to play.

A win in this match, then, would take them 14 points clear with three matches left to play.

Thus, a win for Barcelona in El Clasico will confirm their status as La Liga champions.

A draw would leave Barcelona 11 points clear with three matches still to play, and would not be sufficient to confirm the title.

A win for Real Madrid, of course, would delay Barcelona’s title celebrations for at least another week.