Real Madrid's recent setback is Barcelona's fortune
Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes suffered another blow as they fell 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio de San Mames, much to the delight of Barcelona fans. Heavy expectations accompanied the arrival of Kylian Mbappé this season, but Los Blancos have consistently failed to meet the hype. Mbappe’s back-to-back missed penalties have only amplified the pressure, while injuries to key players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have left Madrid’s defense in disarray.
Barcelona, on the other hand, has seized the opportunity to tighten their grip on the top of the La Liga table. Following their emphatic 5-1 victory over Mallorca, the Catalan club extended their lead, putting distance between themselves and both their Madrid rivals. Hansi Flick’s squad continues to defy preseason expectations, shining in the wake of Real Madrid’s inconsistency and Atletico Madrid’s occasional missteps.
This latest defeat not only marks a missed opportunity for Real Madrid to close the gap on Barcelona but also underscores deeper issues within Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Injuries and defensive instability have plagued Los Blancos, and Mbappe’s inability to deliver in key moments has drawn scrutiny. For a team that many anointed as the uncrowned defending-champions after a summer of high-profile acquisitions, their struggles have been glaring.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s steady rise under Flick’s management has been a stark contrast. The Blaugrana have thrived despite their financial constraints, blending youthful energy with experienced leadership.
The Blaugrana attack led by Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal can seemingly do no wrong, while budding superstars Pedri and Gavi continue to round into form. Hansi Flick’s strict training regemin and tactical blueprint has yielded an impressive start.
With Barcelona continuing to handle their business on the pitch and Real Madrid faltering, the La Liga title race is beginning to tilt decisively in favor of the Catalan club. While nothing is guaranteed, the momentum firmly resides in Barcelona’s camp as they eye domestic supremacy.