Real Madrid hasn't given up on LaLiga yet. Not because they have real mathematical chances on the field, but because Osasuna is considering a challenge.
Depending on what Osasuna decides to do, the standings... and the title could be completely altered.
The Navarrese club is very upset with what they consider an improper line-up by Barça in the match played at Montjuïc, which ended with a victory for the blaugrana. The protagonist of the conflict is Íñigo Martínez, whose participation has raised suspicions in the red environment. In Pamplona, they believe that the protocol after an injury was not correctly followed, according to the club's legal advisors.
The match ended with a victory for Barça, but Osasuna is vying for Europe. That defeat could cost them the ticket to the Conference League. That's why, in the offices of El Sadar, they are working against the clock to assess a formal claim that could turn the standings upside down.
Can Barça lose the three points?
The regulations are strict: if an improper line-up is proven, the offending club loses the match 3-0. In that case, Barça would lose three points and face the last matchday of LaLiga with only a one-point lead over Real Madrid... and playing at San Mamés.
Barça, which has been a solid leader and has been crowned champion after a very consistent season, would have to play for the title in an unplanned final. Real Madrid, meanwhile, would need to win their match and hope that Barça doesn't do the same.
A remote option, but alive
From the LaLiga and Competition Committee environment, it is seen as very unlikely that the claim will succeed. But Osasuna, vying for their European passport, doesn't rule out trying. That keeps alive a hope in Madrid that seemed extinguished.
Florentino Pérez is watching the developments closely. The white club, which has already experienced recent cases of administrative resolutions in European competitions, knows that anything is possible in the offices. Although Ancelotti doesn't want to lose focus, the white locker room has already taken note.
Unexpected ending
Everything seemed decided. Barça celebrated the title with a parade through the city's streets, and Flick gave his players days off. But if Osasuna's claim goes forward, everything could change in a matter of hours.
Is LaLiga reopening in the offices? Will the drama return in the last matchday? In Madrid, they cling to the last hope... even if it comes from Pamplona.