Barcelona’s chances of a domestic double increase as Real Madrid drop points once more

Sunday morning bore a fair bit of good news for Barcelona and their fans, as eternal rivals Real Madrid slipped up once again in La Liga, handing Barcelona a golden opportunity to steer clear of them in the title race this season.

After a highly disappointing defeat in El Clasico, Barcelona’s league destiny slipped out of their hands with eight games remaining. But in what looked to be another disappointing season, the Blaugrana have managed to bounce back once again, displaying their newfound spirit for the umpteenth time this season. Their Copa del Rey title was followed by two big presents from lady luck.

Real Madrid were first held to a goalless stalemate by Getafe last weekend, before suffering the same fate against Europa League qualification contenders Real Betis. The two draws now mean that Los Blancos are still second in La Liga behind leaders Atletico Madrid, three points ahead of Barcelona, but having played two games more.

READ: Copa del Rey final: Forgetting El Clasico, Supercopa final and more

Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Getafe was also the perfect response from the Catalans. With 31 games played as opposed to Madrid’s 33, Barcelona are in complete control of their fate once again. If they win all their seven remaining fixtures, one of which will be the crucial title-deciding encounter against Atletico Madrid themselves, they will lay their hands on the La Liga trophy in May.

Tonight, the Blaugrana play away at Villareal in a bid to steadfastly making their way back up the standings. All their remaining matches are now absolutely vital. However, the chances of a domestic double have gone up massively after their rivals’ slip-ups.