It's impossible for Barcelona to do something stupid like that, maintaining the top of the standings is their priority to win the La Liga title. Real Madrid will continue to chase Barcelona even though the points deficit is very far away, but Barcelona will try to make Real Madrid's efforts in vain by continuing to collect points in every game. La Liga still has 11 games left, Barcelona just needs to be consistent in the next few games to ensure a first place finish.
The super good performance shown by Real Madrid when they beat Valladolid must be maintained until the end of the season, even though Madrid failed to catch up with Barcelona in the title race, Real Madrid was able to secure second place from Atletico's pursuit.
I know some people still hope that Barcelona fail to win the title this season and Real Madrid, who are already 12 points behind, step on the gas and win the title. I don't know, I don't think it makes sense even if it's mathematically possible, but it all depends on Barcelona's form for the rest of the season.
Barcelona still has the chance to lose few points, especially if they fail to maintain their good performance so far. The match against Atletico Madrid will probably be the toughest, but it is played at the Spotify Camp Nou which will also benefit Barcelona. There are 11 matches still remain, 6 of which will be played at the Spotify Camp Nou and 5 match away from home.
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Both teams are in good form ahead of El Clasiko, so there will be some surprises in store for the match, it looks like Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are out of the game due to minor injuries, while the currently available player is Alaba, so far Ancelotti prefers Rudiger at centre-back to help out in defense and Camavinga will replace Mendy. If it is true that the two players fail to appear then Real Madrid's defense will experience a little rotation and it is likely that Ancelotti will have to maximize the midfield.
Head to Head in the last five matches Barcelona has excelled and this will be a big capital for them, plus the match will take place at Camp Nou. But if you look at the readiness of the two, Real Madrid also has the opportunity to turn things around and will secure victory while ensuring qualification for the final. I'm sure Ancelotti will surprise this match and hope it will be a tense match.
Both teams had chances to qualify, but either way Barcelona had the advantage actually work in their favor. Barcelona just need to avoid defeat to qualify, either they can draw or they also hope to win. I'm not going to put Real Madrid ahead especially because of the second leg at Spotify Camp Nou, they have proven a lot this season especially against La Liga sides including Real Madrid.