There’s no rivalry quite like it – Real Madrid and Barcelona.

They’re arguably the two biggest clubs in the world and battle it out, year after year, for the La Liga title. Thankfully, 2016-17 hasn’t been a season to buck the trend and might prove one of the most exciting run-ins yet.

Furthermore, while Los Blancos had seemingly gained the upper hand this weekend, there is still hope for Barcelona. In fact, Real’s April fixtures and injuries could see it come down to the wire.

SIGN UP NOW

Want to become a GMS writer? Sign up now and submit a 250-word test article: http://gms.to/haveyoursay

Critical results

Before this weekend’s round of fixtures, Real Madrid held a two-point lead over their deadly rivals and had played a game less to boot.

Nevertheless, it still proved a realistic gap for Luis Enrique’s men and a lead as few as two poor results away from collapse for Real. That was until this week, however.

Barcelona seemed to have gained the perfect chance to reel in Cristiano Ronaldo and co. when Los Blancos could only manage a draw in the Madrid derby. Antoine Griezmann’s 85th minute strike saw the European champions forced to settle for a 1-1 tie.

In addition, while the trip to Malaga is never easy, Barcelona had a far easier fixture on their hands and the chance to match Real’s points tally.

It was an opportunity they didn’t take and then some. Goals from Sandro Ramirez and Jony Rodriguez saw Malaga claim a shock 2-0 win.

Barcelona were admittedly unlucky with a questionable penalty decision, but Neymar’s sending off exemplified Catalan frustration.

Besides, it allowed Real to get away with murder and extend their lead despite a tame performance in front of their own fans. With just a month left to play, that’s surely game over, right?

Hope for Barcelona

Well, believe it or not, Real are far from away and clear.

As highlighted by Goal.com, Zinedine Zidane’s men face a brutally difficult run of fixtures in April that could serve to derail their title challenge. It’s certainly an exciting prospect for the neutrals.

First on the card is a tricky away trip to Sporting Gijon and if their previous clash is anything to go by, Los Blancos should be nervy. Real relied on two early goals from Ronaldo to edge past Gijon in a sheepish 2-1 win.

After that, it’s the small matter of the El Clasico and, of course, if Barcelona claim victory they will swing the title race three points in their favour. Home advantage will prove a mere detail for Los Blancos in a make-or-break clash.

A trip to Deportivo la Coruna comes next and Branquiazuis have proven a formidable opponent under the management of Pepe Mel. Considering they put Barcelona to the sword less than a month ago proves ample warning of their ability.

The visit of Valencia will then conclude Real’s tricky April but in potentially ignominious fashion. Los Che have already defeated Los Blancos this season and came just six minutes away from victory at the Bernabeu in February 2015.

All of this will be exacerbated by two clashes with Bayern Munich and any consequential fatigue that will spill over into the league. The Germans will work Real hard and if they claim victory, will deal the Spaniards a brutal morale blow.

Injuries

Bad luck with injuries is also shining favorably on Barcelona with Zidane’s defensive options being stripped down recently.

Raphael Varane is unlikely to appear again in April after his return from the sidelines against Alaves lasted just 10 minutes. The Frenchman was forced to limp off and early signs suggest it’s far from short-term.

Moreover, Pepe valued the cost of scoring against Atletico Madrid at approximately two ribs. It proves a double fracture that leaves Sergio Ramos and Nacho as the club’s only centre-back options for the coming weeks.

Therefore, it’s not hard to see that Zidane’s men face a testing three weeks if they’re to make the final round of fixtures with their lead in tact. Luck could be on Barcelona’s side and in the beautiful game, anything can happen.

Who are you backing in the La Liga title race - Real Madrid or Barcelona? Have YOUR say in the comment box below