[Newsa] Barca stumble makes La Liga dramatic - Casillas

• Report rights infringement
• published: 19 Apr 2016
• views: 0

ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti crunches the numbers and says that travel-induced fatigue is at the heart of Barcelona's recent struggles. ESPN FC's Shaka Hislop and Mark Donaldson review the performances of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga. Luis Enrique gave an impassioned interview following Barcelona's 2-1 loss to Valencia detailing how they must bounce back. The FC crew discuss Luis Enrique's future at Barcelona if Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid were to win the La Liga title. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said that three weeks ago it would have been impossible to have imagined a scenario that had Real Madrid with a shot at the Spanish Primera Division title. Barcelona, who suffered a third consecutive league defeat in Sunday's 2-1 home loss to Valencia, remain top of La Liga on 76 points but are only ahead of Atletico Madrid due to their superior head-to-head record. Just three weeks ago they led Diego Simeone's side at the top by nine points. Sunday's result means Barca have now picked up just one point from their last four league games and, if that was not bad enough, they were also knocked out of the Champions League quarterfinals by Atletico in midweek. Real Madrid, meanwhile have now taken 38 points in from Zinedine Zidane's first 15 La Liga games in charge. Over that time, Atletico have 35 points and Barca 34. Los Blancos are now one point behind the leaders with 75. The current Porto goalkeeper said that the drama will make for an exciting La Liga finish. "There is so much passion right now," the 34-year-old told Marca . "I hope that Madrid win after all they have fought for in a league that seemed impossible for them a few weeks ago. The situation is good for everyone, for the fans and for all of those who enjoy football. They are three great clubs and I hope that in the end the luck is with Madrid." Barcelona are going through a rough spot, said former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas. As for Barcelona's stumble, the Spain national team keeper said all teams go through losing streaks. "I don't know because I can't get into the Barca dressing room and never have been there, but this is football and when the ball doesn't go in, everything is crisis and criticism," he said. "If three weeks ago you had said this was going to happen, no one would have believed it. That is what makes football beautiful. "It makes me happy because Madrid is close to the top and can fight for the [Liga] title, something that a few weeks ago seemed impossible. "[Barcelona] have not won for four of their past five matches and that creates nervousness," Casillas said. "They will be trying to win a match as soon as possible because that will restore their faith in themselves." Casillas said that his former club has a great shot at the Champions League title. "Yes, now that the favorites have fallen, both Madrid and Bayern are the two strongest candidates," he said. "But both Atleti and City have played great matches, any one of these clubs could win the title, but I hope it will be Madrid."