The schedule of Real Madrid's next five matches after their 2-1 win over Deportivo Alavés.

Real Madrid’s Next Five Fixtures Could Decide Their La Liga Fate After Narrow Win Over Alavés

Real Madrid kept their La Liga title hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés, but the result did little to ease the pressure surrounding the reigning giants of Spanish football. With only a handful of league matches remaining, every point has now become crucial as Madrid continue their pursuit of arch-rivals FC Barcelona at the top of the standings.

Although the win over Alavés ensured that Carlo Ancelotti’s side remained within touching distance, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing. Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, continue to set the pace, meaning Madrid must not only win consistently but also hope their rivals drop valuable points in the closing weeks of the season.

The next five fixtures for Real Madrid could therefore determine whether they can mount one final championship charge or whether Barcelona will seal domestic supremacy. From difficult away trips to a potentially title-deciding Clásico, Madrid’s schedule is packed with pressure, intensity and little room for mistakes.

Narrow Win Keeps Madrid Alive

The victory against Alavés was not as comfortable as many expected. Madrid were tested throughout the match and had to work hard to secure all three points. While the performance exposed some vulnerabilities, the result itself was all that mattered at this stage of the campaign.

Late-season title races often reward resilience more than style, and Madrid once again showed their ability to grind out results under pressure. However, sterner tests await in the coming weeks.

First Challenge: Real Betis Away

Madrid’s next match comes against Real Betis on April 26 in another crucial La Liga encounter. The trip to Seville is expected to be one of the most difficult remaining assignments of the season.

Betis, managed by experienced coach Manuel Pellegrini, have long been known as a technically gifted and disciplined side capable of troubling the league’s biggest clubs. Playing away from home adds another layer of complexity for Madrid, particularly at a stage when every dropped point could be fatal.

Betis are also likely to be fighting for European qualification positions, which means they will have plenty of motivation of their own. Madrid will need to control possession, manage the atmosphere and avoid defensive lapses if they are to leave with a victory.

This fixture could set the tone for Madrid’s run-in. A win would maintain momentum; anything less would significantly boost Barcelona’s advantage.

Espanyol Away: Historic Rivalry Adds Pressure

The second of the five fixtures sees Madrid travel to face RCD Espanyol on May 3. While Espanyol may not possess the same star power as Spain’s elite clubs, matches in Barcelona are rarely straightforward for visiting giants.

Espanyol have historically relished opportunities to challenge both Madrid and Barcelona, and home support at Cornellà can create a demanding atmosphere. With survival or mid-table pride potentially at stake, the hosts are unlikely to make life easy.

For Madrid, these are exactly the kind of matches that title contenders must navigate professionally. Failure to win games against lower-ranked opposition often proves costly in close title races.

The squad depth of Real Madrid may become especially important here. Fatigue, injuries and fixture congestion can take their toll late in the season, and rotations may be required without sacrificing quality.

The Defining Night: El Clásico at Camp Nou

The biggest match of the run arrives on May 10 when Madrid travel to face FC Barcelona in another chapter of El Clásico at the Spotify Camp Nou.

This encounter could decide the championship.

If Madrid remain close in the table by then, victory in Barcelona would dramatically reopen the title race and shift momentum toward the capital. If Barcelona enter the game with a healthy lead, they could potentially clinch the title or place one hand firmly on the trophy with a positive result.

Few fixtures in world football carry the global significance of El Clásico. It is more than a football match—it is history, prestige, rivalry and immense pressure compressed into ninety minutes.

Madrid will likely need their biggest players to deliver. Veterans, young stars and leaders alike must rise to the occasion. Tactical discipline will also be essential, as Barcelona under Flick have shown organization and attacking fluency.

For neutrals, it promises drama. For Madrid supporters, it may be the season’s defining night.

Home Comforts Against Real Oviedo

After the emotional intensity of El Clásico, Madrid return home on May 14 to face Real Oviedo.

On paper, this is one of the more favorable matches remaining. However, football history is full of title hopefuls slipping after exhausting high-profile fixtures. Managing energy and focus after Barcelona will therefore be essential.

Oviedo may arrive battling relegation or already condemned to the second division, but such teams can be dangerous opponents. They often play with freedom, urgency or desperation—three factors capable of unsettling stronger sides.

Madrid, especially at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, will be expected to dominate possession and create chances. Anything other than three points would be viewed as a major setback.

This fixture may also become important for goal difference, squad rotation and restoring rhythm before the final stretch.

Final Test: Sevilla Away

Madrid’s fifth listed fixture comes away to Sevilla FC on May 17 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.

Even in seasons where Sevilla struggle, trips to Nervión are rarely comfortable. The club’s passionate support and intense atmosphere make it one of Spain’s most challenging venues.

At the time of reporting, Sevilla were close to the relegation zone, meaning they could still be fighting for survival. That would only increase the tension and competitiveness of the contest.

Madrid have often experienced dramatic nights in Seville, and this could be another one—particularly if the title race remains alive entering the penultimate stage of the season.

Winning league titles frequently requires taking points in hostile environments. This match may test Madrid’s mentality as much as their footballing quality.

What Madrid Need to Win the Title

For Real Madrid, the equation is relatively clear:

• Win consistently across the remaining fixtures.

• Avoid injuries to key players.

• Handle pressure in direct clashes.

• Hope Barcelona drop points.

The difficulty lies in execution. Every opponent now has something to play for—European places, survival, pride or rivalry. There are no easy games at this stage.

Madrid’s experience in high-pressure situations could prove valuable. Few clubs in world football are as accustomed to late drama, title chases and must-win moments. Yet experience alone cannot compensate for poor performances.

Key Players Under Spotlight

As the season reaches its climax, attention will naturally fall on Madrid’s biggest names. Goalscorers must convert chances, midfielders must control matches, defenders must minimize mistakes, and leaders must guide the squad emotionally.

The balance between youth and experience has been one of Madrid’s strengths in recent years. This run of fixtures will reveal whether that blend can produce another memorable finish.

Barcelona Still Hold the Advantage

Despite Madrid’s persistence, Barcelona remain in the stronger position. If Flick’s side continue winning, Madrid’s results may ultimately become irrelevant.

That is why the upcoming Clásico is so important. It may be Madrid’s final realistic opportunity to directly change the race through head-to-head competition.

Until then, Madrid simply cannot afford distraction.

Final Verdict

Real Madrid remain alive in the La Liga title race, but their destiny is no longer entirely in their own hands. The win over Alavés preserved hope, yet the next five matches will determine whether hope becomes belief—or fades away.

Trips to Betis, Espanyol and Sevilla are dangerous. Home responsibility against Oviedo is unavoidable. And between them all stands a monumental Clásico against Barcelona.

For supporters, players and neutrals alike, the closing weeks promise tension and drama. If Madrid are to lift another league title, they will need near-perfect execution from this point onward.