According to reports, if Real Madrid fails to defeat Mallorca, Barcelona will automatically become champions of La Liga. With a six-point lead over Carlo Ancelotti’s team, plus a superior head-to-head record and only six points left in the season, their title will be confirmed.

If this happens, it will be the third time in Barcelona’s history that they win the league title before playing their own match. The first time was in the 1990-91 season under Johan Cruyff’s management. Atlético Madrid’s defeat at Anoeta (2-1) confirmed Barcelona’s title, just before their match against Cádiz (4-0) with four weeks left in the season.

The second and last instance was in the 2008-09 season, Pep Guardiola’s first year as Barcelona’s coach. Real Madrid’s loss to Villarreal (3-2) in the 36th week, just before Barcelona’s match against Mallorca, handed the Catalan team the title without playing.

A League Between Two Halves

In the 2005-06 season, in the penultimate week, league leaders Barcelona were scheduled to play in Vigo on Wednesday, May 3, at 9 PM, while second-placed Valencia played an hour earlier in Mallorca. Around 10 PM, Valencia lost 2-1, and Barcelona were crowned champions during halftime of their own match!

If Barcelona’s fate is not decided by tomorrow’s derby against Espanyol, a title win would mark their 11th championship secured away from home.