By Daily Sports on April 19, 2016

Just a month ago, Barcelona seemed to be heading towards a second consecutive La Liga title, but a collapse in league form now sees them level on points with Atletico Madrid at the top of the table with Real Madrid just a point behind.

On March 20, Luis Enrique's side led Villarreal 2-0 until they allowed their opponents back into the match and drew the game at El Madrigal.

At the time it was perceived as only a minor setback that wouldn't impact on the rest of the campaign. No one could have envisaged the importance of that result.

The Catalans' next two games certainly weren't straightforward, as they faced Real Madrid at home and then a trip to the Estadio de Anoeta to play Real Sociedad.

However, everyone predicted that they would comfortably dispatch Zinedine Zidane's team, whilst Luis Enrique would then exact revenge on La Real after defeat to them last season almost cost him his job.

It didn't work out that way and after the two defeats it seemed that it couldn't get any worse for the Blaugrana.

When Valencia visited Camp Nou two months ago, Barcelona scored seven goals against them in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey and they appeared to be the perfect opposition to get back on track.

The hosts certainly displayed signs of improvement on Sunday evening, but it was the effectiveness of Los Che that ensured for the third consecutive game Barcelona were denied all three points.

In the 1998/99 season, Real Mallorca let a nine-point lead slip and allowed Louis van Gaal's Barcelona to claim the league title.

There are five matches remaining and Barcelona can't afford to stumble again, with both Atleti and Real poised to take advantage. It promises to be a thrilling conclusion no matter what.

•Originally published on Marca.com. Photo shows Pique.

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 19, 2016

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