There are nights in football that feel bigger than the occasion itself, and the upcoming El Clasico on 10 May has that exact energy.
Barcelona are preparing to face Real Madrid, and they are stepping into a match that could make them Spanish champions.
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With the La Liga title within touching distance, Hansi Flick’s men have the chance to finish the job in the most dramatic way possible – by taking down their biggest rivals.
What makes this even more compelling is that Barcelona are chasing several little objectives within the game.
From records to individual brilliance, this is going to be much more than a title decider.
Chance to seal the title in style
Barcelona know exactly what is required – avoid defeat and the league is theirs.
After missing the opportunity to be crowned champions without playing when Real Madrid won 2-0 against Espanyol, they now have to do it the hard way.
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But in truth, this is the way they would want it. Winning La Liga against Real Madrid, in front of their own fans, would feel far more satisfying.
It is not often that a title race comes down to a direct clash like this, which is why the stakes feel even higher.
The 100-point target
Barcelona are chasing a historic milestone. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Even with the title almost secured, Barcelona have not taken their foot off the gas.
This is because there is still the possibility of reaching the 100-point mark, a number that carries serious weight in Spanish football.
The benchmark was set by Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona and was matched by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
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To get there, Flick’s side need to be flawless from here on, meaning they need nothing but three points from their remaining matches.
Consistency in scoring
If there is one thing that has defined Barcelona this season, it is their ability to keep scoring no matter the situation.
They have found the net in every single league game so far, which says a lot about their mindset.
Even on difficult nights, they have managed to create chances and stay dangerous.
With 89 goals already, this is a team that plays with intent and belief going forward, something that could make the difference in a high-pressure clash.
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With three matches to play, reaching Real Madrid’s record of 121 league goals in the 2011/12 season is pretty much out of bounds, but let’s not lose hope.
A strong home record
Barcelona are yet to lose or even play a draw at home in La Liga. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
There is also the matter of Barcelona’s incredible home form. The Spotify Camp Nou has been a place where visiting teams have struggled all season.
Barcelona have not dropped a single point at home, despite playing at three different home venues this season and that consistency has been key to their position at the top of the table.
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Facing Real Madrid in this setting gives them a clear advantage, but it also brings expectation.
The Blaugrana have played 17 home games this season, winning each one of them, with the biggest victory coming against Valencia (6-0 earlier in the season)
While much of the focus will be on the attacking players, Barcelona’s success has also been built on a solid defensive base.
Although the backline has been fragile at times, Joan Garcia has been one of the standout performers, even if he has not always grabbed the headlines.
His numbers speak for themselves, and he now leads the race for the Zamora Trophy ahead of Thibaut Courtois.
With the Real Madrid veteran likely to return from his injury against Barcelona, this will be a battle worth keeping an eye on.
