Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes are hanging by a thread after a dramatic 4-3 El Clasico loss to Barcelona on Sunday.
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Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes are fading fast following their latest Clasico defeat to Barcelona, which has seen the Catalan outfit move seven points clear at the top of the Primera Division table.
While a 37th league title is not completely beyond their reach, Los Blancos are left needing a small miracle if they are to upset the odds and do it.
So, with just three games to go, what do Real Madrid need in order to stay in with a chance of winning the title? GOAL takes a look at the permutations.
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱What is the current state of play?
In a thrilling El Clasico this Sunday past, Real Madrid took an early 2-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes of the match thanks to a double by Kylian Mbappe. However, Barcelona made a comeback and scored four goals, leading 4-2 by half-time. Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the second half but it was not enough to change the outcome of the game.
The upshot of the defeat is that Real Madrid are seven points adrift of Barca, with three games remaining. You can see the state of play below.
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Barcelona
35
26
4
5
+59
82
2
Real Madrid
35
23
6
6
+35
75
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCan Real Madrid still win La Liga?
The defeat against Barcelona means Los Blancos are now seven points behind their rivals with just three games left this season. Mathematically, it's still possible for Real Madrid to win the title but they would need to win their remaining three matches and hope that Barcelona drop points.
For Real Madrid to win La Liga, they must win all three of their remaining matches, which would take their final tally to 84 points. However, that alone won't be enough. Barcelona, who currently sit at 82 points, would need to drop at least eight points in their last three games.
This means Barca would have to either lose all their remaining games or lose two and draw the other game. In that scenario, the Los Blancos overtake them in the standings and can be crowned La Liga champions. A win or two draws from the next three matches is enough for Barcelona to win La Liga.
Real Madrid & Barcelona's remaining games
Real Madrid fixtures
Barcelona fixtures
Real Madrid vs Mallorca (May 14, 2025)
Espanyol vs Barcelona (May 15, 2025)
Sevilla vs Real Madrid (May 18, 2025)
Barcelona vs Villarreal (May 18, 2025)
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad (May 25, 2025)
Athletic Club vs Barcelona (May 25, 2025)
Getty Images SportWhat has Carlo Ancelotti said?
Manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed his team's defensive issues after Sunday’s loss, which saw them squander a two-goal lead and concede four goals in the first half.
"We were missing five defenders, which significantly affected our performance", Ancelotti said. "Obviously, we had to defend better in some areas. In today's game, it was quite evident."
The 65-year-old added: "It's not that we defended poorly because we had a low block, we defended poorly, and that's it. We gave away some chances, and they punished us."
Regardless of the final outcome, Ancelotti will be leaving Madrid at the end of the last game of the season, with a new venture as the Brazil national team coach confirmed the day after the loss to Barca.
What next for Real Madrid?
Madrid’s slim hopes of defending their title could be over on Wednesday if they lose to Mallorca.
With Barcelona needing just three points from their final three matches to clinch the title, a win over city rivals Espanyol on Thursday would officially seal it, crowning Hansi Flick’s side La Liga champions for the 28th time.