2. Barcelona hand initiative to Real Madrid ahead of crunch El Clasico
Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two biggest teams in Spain and are always in the running for trophies both domestically and on the continent. This season, both sides have overcome poor starts to consolidate their positions joint-top of the standings.
Local political tension earlier in the season led to a postponememt of thr first El Clasico of the season and both sides have gone head to head in their quest for dominance. Barcelona held the advantage coming into this week owing to their better goal difference but this advantage is in danger of being wiped out.
The draw saw Barcelona move one point clear of their eternal rivals but a victory for Real Madrid against Valencia would wipe out this advantage and swing to pendulum in their favor ahead of the El Clasico.