Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that next weekend’s Clásico showdown with Barcelona could prove to be “almost” decisive in the LaLiga title race, as Madrid seeks to close the gap on the league leaders.
Madrid Stay in the Title Hunt with Nervy Win Over Celta Vigo
Real Madrid ensured they remain in contention for the LaLiga title after securing a 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goals from Arda Güler and a brace by Kylian Mbappé gave Los Blancos a comfortable lead, but two late strikes from Celta made for a tense finish.
Ancelotti’s men had initially looked in full control, with the midfield dictating the tempo and the attack capitalizing on defensive lapses. Güler opened the scoring, continuing his recent hot streak, before Mbappé struck twice to make it 3-0. However, a lapse in defensive concentration allowed Celta Vigo to hit back with two goals in the final 15 minutes, exposing Madrid’s vulnerability under pressure.
Despite the late scare, the win allowed Madrid to stay four points behind leaders Barcelona heading into the much-anticipated Clásico. With three games remaining after the showdown at Montjuïc, Madrid know a victory is essential to keeping their title hopes alive.
Clásico Showdown: Madrid’s Last Lifeline?
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the magnitude of the upcoming clash with Barcelona, calling it “almost” decisive in the title race. “If we win, we’re just a point behind,” Ancelotti said. “The league would still be in Barcelona’s hands, but we’ll have more of a chance.”
Madrid has lost all three Clásico encounters this season — including a 4-0 home defeat in LaLiga, a 5-2 thrashing in the Supercopa final, and a dramatic 3-2 loss in the Copa del Rey final after extra time. Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti remains confident his side can rise to the occasion. “We played them last week and it was competitive. We were close to winning,” he added. “We’ll play with all the confidence in the world.”
A win for Madrid would close the gap to just one point with three fixtures left to play, effectively reigniting the title race. Conversely, a loss could see Barcelona pull further away and virtually seal the championship.
Arda Güler’s Emergence a Boost for Madrid
Arda Güler’s performance against Celta Vigo was one of the brightest spots of the evening. The young Turkish playmaker not only opened the scoring but also set up one of Mbappé’s goals with a smart assist, showcasing his growing influence in Ancelotti’s setup.
Ancelotti was full of praise for the midfielder, noting his physical and technical development over the season. “The Güler of September isn’t the Güler of today,” he said. “He’s done better this year, and he’ll do better in the coming years. He has the profile to be a first-team player at Real Madrid.”
The coach also commended Güler’s entourage for their patience and resilience. “Two months ago I had a go at the people around him for being impatient, and now I have to congratulate them. He’s doing a good job.” Güler’s recent form could earn him a starting spot in the Clásico, potentially adding a creative edge to Madrid’s attack.
Barcelona Remains in Control but Faces Pressure from Ancelotti’s team
Barcelona currently sits atop the LaLiga table with 79 points from 34 games, four ahead of Real Madrid, who have the same number of games played. With Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club trailing in third and fourth, respectively, the title race has effectively narrowed to the two El Clásico giants.
Having beaten Madrid three times this season, Flick’s Barcelona will go into the weekend fixture with a psychological edge. Yet Ancelotti’s Madrid are battle-hardened and hungry for revenge. While Barcelona has been dominant in their recent Clásico showings, the pressure of closing out the title may still weigh heavy on the Catalan side.
If Barcelona secures at least a draw, they retain control of the title destiny. But a Madrid win would dramatically shift the momentum, setting up a thrilling sprint to the finish line in the final three matchdays.
LaLiga’s Climactic Finish Beckons
With only four points separating the two Spanish giants and just three matches remaining after the Clásico, the LaLiga title race is poised for a dramatic conclusion. Real Madrid’s ability to keep pace despite setbacks has added intrigue, while Barcelona’s consistency has kept them just out of reach.
The upcoming Clásico could tilt the scales. A one-point gap would keep both teams under immense pressure, with no room for error in the remaining fixtures. For Madrid, it’s a chance to keep the dream alive; for Barcelona, it’s an opportunity to all but seal the championship.
As Ancelotti put it, “It won’t be decisive — but almost.” Football fans across the globe will be watching as two of the world’s biggest clubs collide in what could be the most pivotal Clásico in recent memory.
