FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.04.2007 11:01

Twelve points are the target

The League title chase is tighter than ever. Barça now have a great opportunity to stretch their lead, and to do that they need to make sure they collect the next twelve points on offer.

There are only nine games left, meaning 27 points to play for, although the next 12 will be particularly important. On the next four weekends, Valencia, Sevilla and Real Madrid will have to play each other, so only one of them will be able to win four games. That means Barça now have a wonderful opportunity to put some breathing space between themselves and their pursuers.

Game 30

Next week, Barça welcome Mallorca to the Camp Nou, while two direct rivals for the title, Valencia and Sevilla go head to head at Mestalla. That means only one of the two will be getting three points, while Real Madrid travel north to Racing.

Game 31

The week after, it is the turn of Real Madrid and Valencia to face each other at the Santiago Bernabéu. Barça, meanwhile, travel to Villarreal, and Sevilla will be at home to Athletic Club of Bilbao.

Game 32

This is the only one of the next four weekends not to feature any games between the top sides. Barça entertain Levante at the Camp Nou, Valencia are at home to Recreativo, Sevilla meet Espanyol and the only one of the top four sides to go on the road are Real Madrid who will be off to San Mamés, home of Athletic Club Bilbao.

Game 33

The crucial four-week period ends with Barça having another chance to move further ahead in the table as they take on Real Sociedad in Anoeta. That will be on the weekend of May 6 and 7, when Real Madrid and Sevilla face off at the Santiago Bernabéu while Valencia will have home advantage against Recreativo.