Real Madrid’s dramatic injury-time victory over Mallorca (2-1) on Wednesday night only delayed what seems inevitable: Barcelona’s coronation. It’s clear that Barca are not Ajax and there isn’t even a remote chance they’ll fail to cross the finish line first. Hansi Flick’s team needs just two more points to complete a historic domestic treble and wrap up a dream season.With the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey already in the trophy cabinet, lifting the La Liga trophy would be the perfect balm after the heartbreaking Champions League semifinal loss to Inter Milan in extra time.Mamma mia! Inter knock down Barca in one of the greatest-ever spectaclesBarcelona currently holds a four-point lead over Real Madrid and also boasts a superior head-to-head record, making the situation clear. A win tonight at Espanyol (10.30 p.m. local time) could spark celebrations across much of the Catalan capital, where at least 80% of the population favors the Blaugrana over their city rivals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925873##However, Espanyol still have work to do to ensure survival in La Liga. They are five points ahead of relegation-threatened Leganes but have an inferior head-to-head record, meaning they still need two points to mathematically secure their spot. Despite early-season struggles, Espanyol found form mid-campaign, stringing together four consecutive wins and now sitting on the edge of safety – a respectable achievement for their return season in the top flight.So, you’ve scored a hat-trick against Barca and still lost? Join the clubAhead of the match, Flick was hit with a significant blow: Ferran Torres underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis last night and is out for the remainder of the season. The former Manchester City forward was slated to start ahead of the still-recovering Robert Lewandowski. With Torres sidelined, the Polish veteran is expected to lead the line. Torres has been one of Flick’s key utility players this season, often operating as a false nine. In 45 appearances, he scored 19 goals and registered seven assists.Barcelona will also be without Marc Bernal and Jules Kounde due to injury, while Inigo Martinez is suspended. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are expected to start, with Dani Olmo operating just behind the front three. Though Marc-Andre ter Stegen has recovered from a serious injury, Wojciech Szczesny is likely to retain his place between the sticks for the remainder of the season.This El Clasico was a feast for the eyes! Epic showdown – Barcelona move one step closer to the title!Despite the mounting excitement, Flick remains characteristically cautious.”I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or even think about celebrating before the match. We have to stay focused. We need to fight for the three points, and then we’ll do what’s right,” said the former Bayern Munich manager.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 36TuesdayValladolid – Girona 0-1 (0-0)/Stuani 80/Real Sociedad – Celta 0-1 (0-1)/Gonzales 44/Sevilla – Las Palmas 1-0 (0-0)/Garcia-Pascual 52/WednesdayAlaves – Valencia 1-0 (0-0)/Jordan 79 pen/Villarreal – Leganes 3-0 (3-0)/Perez 23, 31, Pepe 45/Real Madrid – Mallorca 2-1 (0-1)/Mbappe 68, Ramon 90+5 – Valjent 11/Thursday20:00: (3.60) Osasuna (3.35) Atl.Madrid (2.10)20:00: (3.00) Rayo Vallecano (3.35) Betis (2.55)22:30: (9.50) Espanyol (5.60) Barcelona (1.35)22:30: (3.60) Getafe (2.65) Ath.Bilbao (2.65)***odds are subject to change***
