A month ago Barcelona looked set to coast to the Spanish league title and the Champions League, but now they are out of Europe and only top of La Liga on the head-to-head rule.
A run of just one win in their last six games in all competitions, including four defeats could cost Luis Enrique’s team dearly. Second-place Atletico Madrid and bitter-rivals Real Madrid have capitalised on the Blaugrana’s poor results ruthlessly.
A couple of weeks ago it did not seem possible that either could catch Lionel Messi and co, but a shock 2-1 home defeat against Valencia, coupled with wins for both their rivals means Barcelona have a fight on their hands to retain their domestic crown.
Barcelona have incredibly now lost their last three games in La Liga, after previously experiencing a 39 game unbeaten run. That unbeaten run was ended by Real Madrid at the Nou Camp in El Clasico, but the Catalans problems started in the game before that big clash when Barcelona threw away a two goal lead at Villarreal’s El Madrigal to draw 2-2.
That game showed just how vulnerable Barcelona were and that their much-vaunted front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez were not always enough to secure victory for Luis Enrique’s side.
As much as their rivals have caught up to them in La Liga, Barcelona still have the advantage of having a better head-to-head record against both Atleti and Real this season.
The important thing is that Barcelona end their current slump and get back to winning ways very quickly. The reigning European champions do look to have the easier fixtures, so maybe they can bounce back in the near future, but all of a sudden the Spanish title race is not so cut and dry.