With Real Madrid no longer occupied with the Champions League, the race for the La Liga title has become more delicate.
A win for Barcelona against Celta Vigo on Saturday would establish a seven-point lead at the top.
That gap would be temporary, but symbolically powerful. Madrid do not play until Sunday, and Barcelona need to apply pressure before their rivals have a chance to respond.
They have already played 31 games, racking up 70 points and 84 goals. The attack is clicking, the results are coming, and the targets are clear. But the schedule is relentless.
Manager Hansi Flick is juggling a triple charge. Barcelona face Madrid in the Copa del Rey final later this month, and they also have a Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan looming.
This is on top of a La Liga run-in that leaves no room for slip-ups. The manager is clearly frustrated.
“Do you know how many matches we’ve played over the past two weeks?” he said. “I’ve never experienced such a packed schedule. We haven’t had any time to rest.”
It is a problem that does not seem to affect Madrid in quite the same way. Flick knows it.
“In other leagues, players are better protected,” he added. “Every federation cares about their clubs, but here they do not. It’s unbelievable.”
Saturday’s match against Celta will not be easy. The visitors are pushing for Europe and have previously caused Barcelona trouble. They drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture and won at Camp Nou just a few years ago.
Celta are just five points off sixth place and have been in strong form, although they did lose to Espanyol last time out. They play with freedom and intensity – a team that can hurt you if you switch off.
That is exactly why Barcelona must stay alert. With tired legs and a packed fixture list, every match is a potential pitfall.
But there is also a clear opportunity here. Madrid are watching, and Barcelona must act.
