It's been a long journey, but La Liga 2020-2021 season will be coming to an end this weekend, and its final will probably be one to remember. With only one remaining game, the title is up for grabs as city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have chances of being crowned.
The Colchoneros are in a better spot, as they have done a fantastic campaign that led them to this moment. Even though they have suffered unexpected setbacks in the final weeks of the tournament, Diego Simeone's boys are full of hope ahead of an exciting ending to the season.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos arrive at this round aiming to spoil their neighbors' party and record a back-to-back championship. Zinedine Zidane's side has struggled with injuries and Covid-19 positives, but it has managed to get into this season finale with title hopes.
What Atletico Madrid need to become La Liga 2020-2021 champions
The landscape looks quite favorable for Atletico. Being atop the standings, they depend on themselves to be crowned in the Spanish first division. Last weekend's dramatic win over Osasuna handed them a huge boost ahead of the upcoming clash and enabled them to remain in first place before the league-decider round.
Diego Simeone's team has many ways to become champion: the main one would be by picking up the three points. If Atletico Madrid beat Valladolid, they'll secure the La Liga title. However, if they fail to grab the win, there would be two more ways to be crowned, which will depend on Real Madrid's results.
If the Merengues lose or tie, Atletico would automatically become the Spanish league winners. So, unless they suddenly fail against a Valladolid fighting for survival and Los Blancos claim the three points, the trophy should be in their hands.
What Real Madrid need to lift La Liga 2020-2021 trophy
Unlike their city rivals, the outlook seems to be a bit more complicated for the Merengues. Zinedine Zidane's side couldn't take advantage of Atletico's setbacks in the last weeks, and it depends on the Colchoneros' result to clinch the first seed.
To become La Liga 2020-2021 champions, Real Madrid will need to defeat Villarreal and hope that Atletico Madrid don't beat Valladolid. If Atleti lose and the Merengues win, they will surpass them in the standings and claim the title.
What would happen if Atletico Madrid draws and finishes tied on points with Real Madrid? In that case, the tie-breaker would be the head-to-head between both sides, in which Los Blancos are favored with one win and a draw. Therefore, Real Madrid would be La Liga 2020-2021 winners. However, if Zidane's boys lose or tie with the Yellow Submarine, their title hopes would be over.
