MADRID (AP) – Perhaps the Champions League success for Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid was the best thing that could happen to Barcelona – at least as far as the domestic title race is concerned.
The Madrid clubs both stumbled in the Spanish league yesterday as they looked sapped of energy following their wins in the Champions League semi-finals to set up a city derby in the final.
That has provided Barcelona with renewed hope after the defending champion had written themselves off.
Leader Atletico lost 2-0 at Levante, while Madrid needed a stoppage-time goal from Cristiano Ronaldo to draw 2-2 against Valencia at home.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said of the team’s European hangover that “you can’t give your maximum intensity like that and not pay the price for it”.
Atletico are top of the tables on 88 points, three more than Barcelona. Real Madrid are in third place on 83 with a game in hand.
Teams Matches Wins Draws Losses Goal Difference Points
Atletico 36 28 4 4 51 88
Barcelona 36 27 4 5 67 85
Real Madrid 35 26 5 4 66 83
