Real Madrid took a big step towards the LaLiga Santander title with victory in one of their toughest remaining fixtures on Sunday.
Although Barcelona also won their game at Villarreal later in the day, Los Blancos have a strong lead heading into the final four matches of the campaign.
Zidane‘s side’s advantage of four points over their Catalan rivals means they can afford to draw two games or lose one in their last four fixtures.
Real Madrid will face Alaves, Granada, Villarreal and Leganes before the season is out, and they need to take just eight points from those games to secure the title.
That tally can be reached either with two wins and two draws, or with three wins and one loss.
If Quique Setien‘s men drop more points, then Los Blancos can clinch the title even sooner.
When Real Madrid could be crowned LaLiga champions: at a glance
Saturday 11 July
Real Madrid will be champions if:
- they beat Alavés, and
- Barça take only a point against Espanyol and Valladolid
Monday 13 July
Real Madrid will be champions if:
- they beat Alavés and Granada, and
- Barça fail to win one of their games against Espanyol and Valladolid
or
- Madrid take four points against Alavés and Granada, and
- Barça draw both games against Espanyol and Valladolid
Thursday 16 July
If Barcelona don’t drop any points between now and Thursday 16 July, Real Madrid will be champions on this day if they win their next three games.