Real Madrid‘s recent victory in Cornellá has successfully postponed arch-rivals FC Barcelona‘s immediate La Liga title celebrations, simultaneously averting the contentious prospect of performing a ‘pasillo’ (guard of honor) for the Catalans in the upcoming El Clásico.
The win means Barcelona cannot mathematically secure the league trophy from home, adding another layer of drama to one of football’s most anticipated fixtures.
Barcelona had extended their lead over Real Madrid to a commanding 14 points after their win against Osasuna last Saturday.
Had Real Madrid faltered in Cornellá, Barcelona would have been crowned champions without kicking a ball, setting the stage for an uncomfortable El Clásico for Los Blancos. However, as reported by MARCA, Real Madrid‘s triumph ensures the title race, however brief, continues.
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The ‘pasillo’ debate had been a significant talking point leading up to the El Clásico. Traditionally, a guard of honor is performed by one team for another that has already clinched a league title.
Real Madrid‘s win means they will not be obligated to line up and applaud their rivals as they enter the pitch at Spotify Camp Nou next Sunday, a scenario that would have been particularly galling for their fans.
The focus now shifts entirely to next Sunday’s El Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou, where Barcelona has several pathways to secure their twenty-ninth league title
Barcelona’s pursuit of history
While the immediate goal is to secure the La Liga title, Barcelona‘s squad is also driven by other ambitions.
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Beyond lifting their twenty-ninth league trophy, there is a strong motivation to reach the monumental milestone of 100 points in the league campaign. The players have reportedly downplayed the ‘pasillo’ discussions, focusing instead on their on-field objectives.
“They left the debate to others and simply said they wanted to win the title as soon as possible,” a sentiment echoed by the Barcelona dressing room.
Striker Robert Lewandowski further emphasized this focus, stating that “what they wanted was to win all matches to reach 100 points.” This dual pursuit of the title and a century of points promises an intense finish to their season.
With the ‘pasillo’ drama averted and the title still technically up for grabs, the upcoming El Clásico is poised to be an even more electrifying encounter, where Barcelona will look to seal their championship glory against their fiercest rivals.
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Sources: www.marca.com
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