FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.05.2009 16:41

League up for grabs this weekend

Jordi Clos

After their Copa del Rey success, Barça can now seal the double on Saturday or Sunday. All will be revealed by the results of the Villarreal v Madrid and Mallorca v Barça games.

With the fans still celebrating their win in the Copa del Rey, the fiesta could continue this weekend. Barça are just one point away from the league title with three matches still to play. With eight points dividing the Catalans and their closest rivals, the league could either be decided by the result of the game in Villarreal, on Saturday night (22.00), or the one Barça play in Mallorca on Sunday (19.00).

Champions without playing?

It could all be over on Saturday night. Barça would be mathematical champions if Madrid either lose or draw on their difficult trip to the Madrigal.

Point off the double

If Juande Ramos’ side win in Villarreal, the gap would be narrowed to five points. But whatever happens in that game, with just a single point from their trip to Mallorca the day after, Barcelona’s 19th league title would be secure.

Only one adverse possibility

The only combination of results that would mean Barça putting their celebrations on hold would be a win for Madrid and a loss for Barça. If that happens, Barça would be going into their last two league fixtures against Osasuna and Deportivo with a five-point advantage, and would still need just one point from either fixture to render meaningless potential wins for Madrid against Mallorca and away to Osasuna.