The fixture list may have already given Barcelona an edge in the title fight

As La Liga progresses, the title race remains fiercely contested, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid all securing victories in the latest round of fixtures. 

However, as the competition intensifies, the upcoming schedule seems to favour Barcelona more than their two main rivals.

Over the next three weeks, the league will be shaped by a combination of La Liga clashes, Copa del Rey commitments, and Champions League ties. 

The fixture congestion will be a serious test for all teams, but Barcelona appear to have the most manageable path ahead. 

How is that?

Four of their next six games will be played at home, a significant advantage that could help them maintain momentum. 

In contrast, Real Madrid have a far more demanding schedule, with no truly easy fixtures in sight. The closest thing to a relatively straightforward game for Ancelotti’s side is a home match against Rayo Vallecano, but even that could prove tricky.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid find themselves in the most difficult position of the three contenders.

They have to juggle a high-stakes Champions League knockout tie against Real Madrid while also preparing for a crucial Copa del Rey showdown against Barcelona. 

Barcelona have a slight advantage over Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This intense schedule leaves them with little room for rest or squad rotation, increasing the risk of fatigue at a decisive point in the season.

Barcelona’s opponents

Barcelona, of course, are not up against weak opponents either. Matches against well-organised sides like Real Sociedad and Osasuna will require focus and discipline. 

However, playing these fixtures at home gives Hansi Flick’s squad the chance to carefully rotate players without significantly jeopardising results. 

Maintaining freshness within the squad will be key as the Catalans look to capitalise on their favourable run of games.

Between February 25 and March 16, Barcelona’s only two away trips will be to Lisbon and the Metropolitano. Every other major clash in this crucial period will take place at home, allowing the team to benefit from the support of their fans. 

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have no such luxury. Following their demanding clash against Barcelona at Montjuïc, they will face Athletic Bilbao and Getafe in quick succession. 

To make matters worse, their Champions League tie against Real Madrid will drain their energy further, and regardless of the outcome, they will have no time to recover before facing Barcelona again in La Liga.

In short, while all three teams are fighting for the title, Barcelona’s upcoming schedule is far more favourable than that of their rivals.