Real Madrid could relinquish title race next weekend if team loses to Celta Vigo | OneFootball

As the La Liga season enters its final stretch, Real Madrid face a pivotal night that could potentially decide the fate of the title race.

A tough test against Celta Vigo awaits Carlo Ancelotti’s men tonight, with the stakes raised following Barcelona’s narrow 2-1 win over Real Valladolid yesterday.

That result temporarily extends the Catalans’ lead at the top to seven points. Madrid, sitting second with 72 points, can close that gap back to four with a victory tonight.

Barcelona could win the title next weekend

However, anything less could hand Barcelona a golden opportunity to clinch the league title in next weekend’s El Clasico at Montjuic.

Madrid will be well aware of the scenario: a loss against Celta would leave them stuck at 72 points, giving Barcelona the chance to seal the title with a win next weekend.

Ancelotti’s men cannot afford to lose this Clasico (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Even a draw would leave Los Blancos with a mountain to climb, especially considering the goal difference gap.

But a win tonight keeps Madrid in control of their fate, at least mathematically. With four games to go for both teams after tonight, the Clasico on May 11 becomes a do-or-die affair — particularly if tonight’s result doesn’t go Real Madrid’s way.

That said, Real Madrid will have a key advantage heading into this Clasico as they don’t have to think about a crunch midweek affair in the Champions League.

Indeed, Barcelona are currently occupied in their UCL adventure this week, with the Catalans facing Inter Milan this midweek.

Real Madrid have no such responsibilities, giving Ancelotti’s squad a full week to rest, recover and prepare for the decisive Clasico.