What can we expect from the final 3 rounds of LaLiga 2025 in the race for the title and European places?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
La Liga Title Race: Barca Closer To Glory as Madrid Duo Stumble
The race for La Liga glory was pretty much a very tight one at some point between Spain's big three, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. Of course, we would have to consider results from matchday 26, when Barcelona were atop the league standings with 57 points and holding a narrow lead.
La Liga Table (matchday 26):
| Position | Club | Matches | Goal difference (+/-) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 26 | +46 | 57 |
| 2 | Atletico Madrid | 26 | +27 | 56 |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 26 | +30 | 54 |
However, entering matchday 36, it has become a one-man show, and the best-performing team of the season, Barcelona, is in full control, while Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are still clinging to their fading hopes.
The Catalans moved seven points clear atop the league standings courtesy of a dramatic 4-3 home win over Real Madrid on Sunday. That was the final El Clasico between the two teams, with Barca completing a season sweep.
When Can Barcelona Be Crowned La Liga Champions?
It is just a matter of time before Barcelona can be crowned La Liga champions. A seven-point lead atop La Liga standings means that the champions-elect need to win their next game against city rivals Espanyol on Thursday to put the league title debate to bed. Even our Sportytrader experts think so too in the Espanyol v Barcelona preview.
If they do happen to drop all three points this Wednesday, it shouldn't raise alarm bells for Barca and co. In fact, they are allowed to lose just two games out of the remaining three, and the final game must result in a must-win.
Barcelona's opponents in the next three rounds:
- Espanyol vs. Barcelona (May 15, 2025)
- Barcelona vs. Villarreal (May 18, 2025)
- Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona (May 25, 2025)
Despair or Hope: Los Blancos True Reality!
Atletico Madrid are completely out of the title race and can be happy with a top-three finish, a one-way ticket to next season's UEFA Champions League participation.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, is mathematically in the title race. They are hindered by a seven-point deficit in their bid to secure the top spot in La Liga standings. It may seem like a lot, but it's not.
Let's not forget that there are three games remaining before the season reaches its final chapter. Emerging victorious in all matches adds up to nine points. In their case, Los Blancos need Barcelona to suffer some very serious setbacks during these crucial stages. Realistically speaking, a second-place finish is what they are destined for in what has been a dreadful season. On Wednesday, they host Mallorca, and a win may delay Barca's crowning, while defeat may see their worst nightmare come true. For more insights on this game, head on to the Real Madrid v Mallorca preview.
Real Madrid's opponents in the next three rounds:
- Real Madrid vs. Mallorca (May 14, 2025)
- Sevilla vs. Real Madrid (May 18, 2025)
- Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad (May 25, 2025)
The Battle for the Champions League Spot
Spain has been the best-performing country in Europe this season, and thanks to that, their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as UEFA has awarded them with five UEFA Champions League spots.
So far, three teams have already confirmed their spots, while fourth- and fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal have yet to put a stamp. Real Betis is also a serious contender to grab a UEFA Champions League Spot.
La Liga Table (matchday 35):
| Position | Club | Matches | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Athletic Bilbao | 35 | 64 |
| 5 | Villareal | 35 | 61 |
| 6 | Real Betis | 35 | 58 |
What to Expect:
- Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal are in a two-horse race for a top-four finish.
- Real Betis are fighting for the final UEFA Champions League spot occupied by Villarreal in 5th place.
European Spots Up for Grabs: The Real War In La Liga?
La Liga consists of 20 teams, and only three spots are awarded in the Europa League and Conference League. So far, it's a mid-table scramble, as many as seven teams are involved.
The table below shows the current standings of each team fighting for the Europa League and Conference League spots. Points accumulated have also been added.
| Position | Club | Matches | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Real Betis | 35 | 58 |
| 7 | Celta Vigo | 36 | 52 |
| 8 | Rayo Vallecano | 35 | 47 |
| 9 | Mallorca | 35 | 47 |
| 10 | Valencia | 35 | 45 |
| 11 | Osasuna | 35 | 45 |
*6th and 7th place (Europa League group stage).
*8th place (Europa Conference League qualifiers).
Best Star Performers in Final Stretch
La Liga has had some of the best-performing stars who continue to shine. Take, for instance, Barcelona's youngster Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, who is the current top goalscorer in the competition. With three rounds remaining, these players are sure to be key assets in their respective clubs. We have decided to focus on the top goalscorers in the table below to see who is shining.
Top 5 Goal Scorers (results obtained from matchday 35):
| Club | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Kylian Mbappe | 27 |
| Barcelona | Robert Lewandowski | 25 |
| Osasuna | Ante Budimir | 19 |
| Barcelona | Raphinha | 18 |
| Atletico Madrid | Alexander Sorloth | 17 |
Final Thoughts
Barcelona can be crowned La Liga champions depending on Real Madrid's result against Mallorca. If their old derby rivals drop three points, it won't even require Barça kicking the ball come Wednesday.
In the race for European places, real chaos is about to erupt. It only takes one loss or one win for a team to see their dreams of playing European football next season go up in flames or materialize. Whatever may be the case, the final three games in La Liga are very important as teams still have something meaningful to play for.
