Carlo Ancelotti Predicts Tight LaLiga Title Race, No Clear Front-Runner

Carlo Ancelotti stated on Thursday that this season is unlikely to see a runaway La Liga champion like Real Madrid did last year.

He noted that a competitive multi-club title race is making it difficult for one team to establish dominance.

Barcelona, leaders since August, have slipped to third after winning only one of their last seven league matches, losing the top spot to Atletico Madrid in a 2-1 home loss last month.

Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, currently a point behind Atletico with 40 points from 18 matches, have an opportunity to temporarily seize the top spot when they face 19th-placed Valencia on Friday.

“The level of competitiveness in LaLiga lowers a bit the points you need to win the title,” Ancelotti, whose men finished 10 points ahead of second-placed Barcelona when they amassed 95 points during the 2023-24 campaign, told reporters.

“The fact that Atletico are there also generates uncertainty and I think it will take less than 90 points to be champions.”

Ancelotti said while Barcelona’s drop in form was unexpected, the club had a strong chance of staging a comeback.

“You have a slump and then you get competitive like before. Barcelona and Atletico have the same chances of competing with us,” he added.

Ancelotti, who has guided Real Madrid to two La Liga titles since taking over in 2021, expressed that he does not anticipate an easy victory against the struggling Valencia.

“Tomorrow, we start a new challenge with a lot of excitement. It will be a demanding game, we want to start the year well,” the 65-year-old said.