With just seven rounds remaining in the 2024/25 LALIGA EA SPORTS season, the destination of the title remains uncertain. FC Barcelona currently sit top of the standings, holding a four-point advantage over their closest competitors, Real Madrid. This gap makes for one of the most competitive finishes in recent years.
Hansi Flick, in his first year coaching in Spain, has guided the team effectively. His Barcelona side secures points consistently, playing well often. The club has held the top spot for most of the season. They solidified their lead with a recent 1-0 victory away at CD Leganés.
Real Madrid, the reigning champions, trail Barcelona. They have scored fewer goals and conceded more than the leaders, resulting in a weaker goal difference. A home defeat to Valencia CF widened the gap, though they secured a 1-0 away win at Deportivo Alavés last matchday to maintain the current four-point deficit.
The head-to-head record between the top two sides gives Barcelona an edge should teams finish level on points. Barcelona secured a commanding 0-4 win earlier this season at Real Madrid's home ground. The rivals are scheduled to face each other again in Barcelona on Matchday 35, a game many see as potentially decisive.
Away from the title race, one young player's future at Barcelona faces questions. Defender Hector Fort reportedly harbors concerns about his path forward with the club. Once seen as a top prospect from the youth academy, his first-team minutes have become limited under the current coach.
Reports suggest Hansi Flick believes the 18-year-old Fort requires further physical development before becoming a consistent senior option. This assessment has led to discussions internally about the best way to handle the player's situation for his development and the club's needs.
Sources indicate three main possibilities are being considered: sending Fort out on loan to gain experience, a permanent sale that includes a buy-back option for Barcelona, or having him remain with the team in a smaller role. The player himself is said to be open to leaving, at least temporarily, due to worries over his playing time.
Barcelona also seeks options to strengthen the right-back position. The club needs players who can provide rest for existing options like Jules Kounde. Looking for a right-back with more experience is a priority, which could further reduce opportunities for young players like Fort if a new signing arrives.
Beyond the league title, both Barcelona and Real Madrid remain active in other major competitions. Both clubs reached the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League. The teams are also set to meet in the Copa del Rey final scheduled for April 26. These other matches add complexity to the final weeks of the season as teams balance demands.
The concluding rounds of LALIGA present significant challenges for Barcelona. They must navigate a difficult fixture list while managing squad issues. Securing the title requires continued strong performance in high-pressure games. Meanwhile, player futures like Hector Fort's add another layer to the club's decisions during this tense period.