This past weekend, the Spanish Primera Division title contenders offered another twist in the tale of this season’s campaign. With Atletico Madrid losing 3-0 in a crucial game against Osasuna, FC Barcelona dropping points in a 3-1 loss to Real Sociedad and Real Madrid cruising to a 3-0 victory against Elche on Saturday, the top spot in La Liga has changed hands to Real Madrid, who stand above Barcelona and Atletico by a 3-point difference. This change in leadership has come at an interesting point in the 2013-2014 European football campaign, and the weekend’s fixtures had their own twists and turns.
This point in the season is where the title is anyone’s to lose. All three teams will not only have to deal with their domestic affairs, but will have to incorporate their Champions League knockout games into their busy schedule. Atletico and Barcelona have already completed the first leg of their knockout fixtures last week, both getting crucial away wins. Real are set to play their German opponents, Schalke 04, this upcoming Wednesday. Barcelona may be in for a rough run of form, with their pivotal center defender, Gerard Pique, doubtful to return to the pitch in time for their 2nd leg match against high-powered attacking Manchester City FC. Meanwhile, the two Madrid sides are left with an interesting run of games, where they are set to play each other this Sunday in a heated derby match (rivalry game) that could offer another twist to the La Liga plot for this season. This is the point in team’s campaigns where they make or break their season, so it is crucial for all teams to get as many points out of games for La Liga, and to progress through the Champions League, all the meanwhile staying healthy as possible. It’s a 3-horse race for the title that is long from over, however.