4 Reasons Barcelona Will Catch Real Madrid in La Liga

Barcelona sits 10 points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings with just 14 games remaining.  Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo look to be on the verge of their first Spanish league crown.  But failing to keep an eye firmly on the rear-view mirror could see Barcelona nip them at the line. 

Here are four reasons that Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi will end the season looking down at Real Madrid.

No. 4: Strength of Schedule

Barcelona needs the leaders to drop 10 points.  That's three losses and a draw.  This from a Real Madrid side that has only lost two and drawn one so far this season.  It would be an epic collapse, but here's why it will happen.

Barcelona can beat Madrid head-to-head.  Pep Guardiola owns Real Madrid (9-3-1).  They've already taken three points off Jose Mourinho's side and Los Merengues still have to travel to the Camp Nou.

In addition to the head-to-head matchup, Real Madrid face another seven teams currently in the Top 10.  Barcelona will only see five of those sides.  Advantage Barcelona.

No. 3: European Flu

Champions League play has proven to be a gremlin for many teams over the years.  If you play your strongest players in the middle of the week, are they ready to go again for the league at the weekend?  Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Barcelona took their away leg with Bayer Leverkusen 3-1.  So the home match on March 7th should prove little trouble for the defending champs.  That allows them to focus on the weekend's league match against soon-to-be relegated Racing Santander.

By contrast, Real Madrid drew away to CSKA Moscow 1-1.  As a result, Jose Mourinho will have to deploy his first team in the return leg on March 14th.  How will that affect preparations for their match with sixth-place Malaga just a few days later?

No. 2: La Liga's Tiebreaker

La Liga's tiebreaker is head-to-head goal differential.  Barcelona took the first Clasico of the season, 3-1.  Real Madrid has yet to significantly outplay the Catalans during Jose Mourinho's tenure.  So Barcelona is in good position to own this tiebreaker at season's end.  With that in their back pocket, a tie in the standings is a win for Barcelona.

No. 1: Lionel Messi Trails Cristiano Ronaldo for the Pichichi

Lionel Messi is one goal behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for this season's Pichichi.  With that personal motivation, Messi will pour in the goals between now and the season's final whistle.  It gives the world's most dangerous player just a little extra edge.  For Barcelona, that will prove a very, very useful thing.