Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde scored an outrageous last-minute strike against Athletic Bilbao to keep second-placed Los Blancos within distance of La Liga table-toppers Barcelona with six games to go.
Madrid have endured a disappointing season, but manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose time at the Santiago Bernabeu is reportedly up, will be eager to leave with a trophy.
Despite their overwhelming superiority, Barca sit only four points above their arch-rivals Real Madrid. Nothing is set in stone, as the capital club remains determined to catch up and overtake.
However, Barca look imperious under Hansi Flick, having bounced back from 3-1 to claim a 4-3 win over their usual kryptonites, Celta Vigo.
The frontline of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal looks unstoppable in full flow.
They can blow opponents out of the water. They need to crown an excellent league campaign with the title.
Everything looks finely poised for one of the most exciting La Liga finales. Read on as we analyse the key fixtures that could determine this title race.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona (May 11)
Reigning champions Madrid head to the Barca Olympic Stadium on May 11, hoping to halt their bid to reclaim the throne.
This is arguably one of the most anticipated El Clasicos. A lot is riding on this game.
Madrid must bring their A-game to stand a chance against this vicious Barcelona team. Barca mullered Los Blancos 4-0 at the Bernabeu earlier this season to go six points clear at the top of the table.
Madrid were also hammered 5-2 in the Super Cup final. It is a tough ask, but Madrid will be out for revenge and can impose their game if they find their groove.
However, they are second favourites against a Barca team that have not lost a La Liga game since their defeat against Atletico Madrid in December.
Barca have lost once in 2025 (Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League). Madrid have a mountain to climb.
The stage is set for a pulsating clash between these two giants of Spanish football. Grab Barcelona vs Real Madrid tickets from Seatsnet.com to watch the action live from the best seats in the house.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad (May 25)
Madrid’s last league game of the season sees them welcome Real Sociedad to the Bernabeu.
While Los Blancos should have enough in the arsenal to get past the Basque side, it is worth noting that Imanol Alguacil’s team remains in the hunt for European football.
Sociedad will be prepared to take down anyone between them and European football after a sub-par 2024/25 campaign, and Madrid might fall victim.
Fortunately for the hosts, the record books favour them. Madrid have not lost to Sociedad in a La Liga game since 2019.
Sociedad also recorded their last victory at the Bernabeu in the same year, which bodes well for the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners.
Sociedad are there for the taking, but Madrid need to raise their levels beyond what we have seen in recent weeks to edge past the Whites and Blues.
There is a scenario, however unlikely, where Madrid cut the difference with Barca and only need a result against Sociedad to retain their crown, setting the stage for a gripping finale.
Barcelona vs Villarreal (May 18)
Barca host Villarreal in their penultimate La Liga game, and this fixture could have a bearing on where the title goes at the end of the season.
The Yellow Submarines sit in fifth place and are eyeing a spot in the Champions League (Spain should get five slots for next season), with Real Betis breathing down their necks. Every point will be crucial.
Villarreal will have their tails up when they travel to Barcelona after recording a memorable 5-3 victory in Catalonia last season.
Barca got their pound of flesh, decimating Marcelinho’s side 5-1 earlier this term.
With so much on the line, the Blaugranas vs Villarreal clash can potentially deliver one of the games of the season following their last two epics.
They always produce fireworks. Get Barcelona tickets from trusted ticket marketplace Seatsnet.com to see how this one unfolds.
Barca should have enough in the tank to see off Villarreal, but the Yellow Submarines have been punching above their weight all season.
They will be licking their lips at the prospect of taking down a giant and potentially deciding the title race.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club (May 25)
The fixture list does not get any easier for Barca as they face notoriously gritty Athletic Club, led by their former manager Ernesto Valverde, on the final day.
He has built a dogged team that can give any La Liga defence headaches.
Athletic were minutes away from securing a 0-0 draw with Madrid before Uruguayan midfielder Valverde sunk one of his signature hits into the back of the net.
They are the perfect Barca antithesis, preferring their opponents to hold the ball to hold the ball while they poke for holes.
Athletic is a team of hard workers with the phenomenal Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams and Inaki Williams ready to pounce on the counter.
If they can ensnare that famous Barca high line, they can exploit it for fun. However, Barca might be too determined to seal the deal and can potentially annihilate Athletic in San Mames.
Whenever this Barca team find their groove, every opponent is in danger of getting dismantled. They will be on it with the title on the line.
Key players in the run-in
With Lewandowski sidelined for three weeks, Ferran Torres is tasked with leading the Barca attack and will be key in the title race.
The Spain international struck the opener in the win versus Celta Vigo, taking his tally to 17 goals and four assists in 40 games this season.
Meanwhile, Valverde continues to deliver wherever Ancelotti drops him. His drive is crucial for the Whites as they try to overtake Barca in this dramatic title race.
Valverde is pivotal with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo lacking form.
