It’s the moment no Real Madrid fan wants to face. As the club travels to Barcelona's rival city for a Sunday evening clash at the RCDE Stadium, the math is brutal: an 11-point deficit to leaders Barcelona with just weeks left in the 2025-26 season. Unless something miraculous happens, this weekend effectively marks the end of Los Blancos' championship dreams.
The match against Espanyol, scheduled for 8pm on May 5, 2026, isn't just another fixture. It’s a symbolic closing chapter for Madrid’s title bid. While they still sit second in the table, the gap feels unbridgeable. Meanwhile, Espanyol, languishing in 13th place and winless in 2026, are desperate for points to avoid the relegation zone. The stakes couldn’t be more different, yet both teams need a result.
The Crucial Match: Can Madrid Stop Barcelona?
Here’s the thing: Real Madrid doesn’t actually need to beat Espanyol to stay alive—they need Barcelona to drop points. But let’s be honest, that’s not how football works. With Barcelona undefeated in their last 11 away matches according to Forebet data, the Catalan giants look unstoppable. If Barça wins their own fixture (likely against a weaker opponent), the title is theirs before the final whistle blows in Madrid’s game.
SportsMole predicts a narrow 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, citing Espanyol’s disastrous form this year. But even a win might feel hollow. "Madrid will play with urgency," one analyst noted, "but without hope." The emotional weight on the players is palpable. You can almost hear the sighs from the Bernabéu faithful watching from home.
European Race Heats Up: Celta Vigo vs Elche
While Madrid’s fate hangs in the balance, other clubs are fighting for European glory. In Vigo, Celta Vigo hosts Elche in a clash that could reshape the top six. Celta sits seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Getafe, while Elche has surged into 14th place thanks to four consecutive wins.
But don’t expect fireworks. SportsMole forecasts a gritty 1-1 draw, pointing out Celta’s poor home record this season. Elche’s momentum is real, but breaking down Celta’s defense at the Balaídos won’t be easy. "Elche looks dangerous on the counter," said a tactical expert, "but Celta knows how to grind out results." Expect a cagey affair where every tackle matters.
Betis’ Defensive Fortress vs Oviedo’s Fight
In Seville, Real Betis welcomes Real Oviedo under the lights. Betis, known for their resilience, have gone unbeaten in 13 of their last 15 La Liga games—a statistic that speaks volumes about their defensive organization. Oviedo, meanwhile, is capable of causing upsets but lacks the firepower to break down well-drilled sides consistently.
A 2-1 Betis win seems likely, according to SportsMole. The key? Betis’ ability to control possession and exploit spaces behind Oviedo’s high line. "Betis thrives in these tight games," one scout observed. "They know when to press and when to hold shape." Oviedo will fight, but experience may tell.
Getafe-Rayo: Another Draw Likely?
If you’re looking for drama, look elsewhere. The meeting between Getafe and Rayo Vallecano has produced six draws in the last nine encounters. History suggests another stalemate—perhaps 1-1, as predicted by SportsMole. Both teams struggle to score consistently, and neither has much to lose. It’s a classic mid-table slog: hard-fought, low-scoring, and forgettable.
What’s Next? Saturday’s Fixtures Add Context
Don’t forget Saturday’s matches add crucial context. Villarreal, riding a six-game winning streak, visits Mallorca. Athletic Bilbao hosts Valencia, and Real Oviedo faces Getafe again. These results could shift positions dramatically, especially if Barcelona slip up—but that’s unlikely.
Meanwhile, Deportivo Alavés continues its trend of low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals in their last 10 games. For bettors and fans alike, it’s a reminder that not every match needs to be a thriller to matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Real Madrid still win La Liga?
Mathematically yes, but realistically no. An 11-point gap with fewer than five games left requires Barcelona to lose multiple matches while Madrid wins all theirs. Given Barcelona’s current form—including 11 straight away wins—it’s highly improbable.
Why is Espanyol struggling so much?
Espanyol hasn’t won a single game in 2026, sitting 13th and five points off safety. Their attack lacks creativity, and defensively they’ve been vulnerable. Without significant changes, relegation looms large.
Who benefits most from Celta-Elche draw?
A draw helps teams above them in the European race. If Celta fails to beat in-form Elche, rivals like Getafe or Sevilla could overtake them. Elche gains confidence but remains too far back to challenge for Europe directly.
Is Real Betis’ defensive record sustainable?
Their 13-unbeaten-in-15 run reflects strong tactical discipline. However, fatigue and squad depth issues could emerge late in the season. Still, they remain among the toughest teams to beat in La Liga.
When do we know who wins La Liga?
Likely by mid-May. If Barcelona maintain their current trajectory, they’ll secure the title within the next two weekends. Real Madrid’s best chance hinges on Barcelona dropping points—which seems increasingly unlikely.
