Real Madrid could be forced to make a title-winning "pasillo" for Barcelona in the next Clasico.
Held by Real Betis (1-1) on Friday, Real Madrid has brought FC Barcelona a little closer to the LaLiga title. The Merengue could even perform the "pasillo" during the Clasico, or even let Barcelona celebrate right under their noses. Unprecedented in the history of the Spanish championship.
Nothing is mathematically decided. But after conceding a draw at Betis on Friday, Real Madrid has further diminished its chances of winning the LaLiga title.
With a victory on the road against Getafe on Saturday, Barcelona would take an 11-point lead with five matchdays remaining.
No one believes in a remontada in Spain anymore, not even the pro-Madrid media outlets, which are instead wondering when the Blaugrana will be officially crowned. The date of the title is far from anecdotal, given that a Clásico at Camp Nou is looming.
If the gap between the two teams exceeds 12 points before their confrontation on May 10, the Casa Blanca, as tradition dictates, will have to perform the "pasillo," the famous corridor to congratulate and applaud the champion.
But it is not certain that Kylian Mbappe's teammates will accept this 'humiliation.' "When an opponent beats you in a final or wins a trophy, a minimum of respect is necessary," Blaugrana Eric Garcia recently warned. "If it were us, we would do it, whether it's for Real Madrid or another team."
Ending a trophy-less season with a "pasillo" would undoubtedly hurt the Madridistas. And that might not even be the worst scenario. If Barca is not yet champions before the Clasico and wins the title thanks to points earned in the highly anticipated clash, the Merengue would then see their rival celebrate the title right under their noses.
In LaLiga history, Barcelona and Real Madrid have never won the trophy in a Clasico. Alvaro Arbeloa's men, therefore, have every interest in not letting the gap exceed nine points after their visit to Catalonia.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!