Barcelona: Barcelona will win La Liga Wednesday if Atletico Madrid lose to Valencia after a 2-0 victory over Alaves gave them a 12-point lead at the top of the table.
Lionel Messi started on the bench at Mendizorrotza Tuesday in a move that made clear just how comfortable Barca are in this title race, its conclusion surely now only a matter of when rather than if.
Should Atletico avoid defeat to Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano, the Catalans will still be crowned champions on Saturday at the Camp Nou with a victory over Levante.
They could even have it wrapped up before kick-off Saturday if Atletico fail to take at least four points from Valencia and Real Valladolid, the latter whom they face a few hours earlier Saturday.
Real Madrid, who play their game in hand against Getafe Thursday, sit 16 points adrift in third. Alaves stay eighth, their hopes of a Europa League spot fading fast.
Messi came on as a substitute in the 61st minute shortly after his team had scored twice, Carles Alena guiding one into the corner before Luis Suarez, in Messi’s absence, took and dispatched a penalty.
AFP
