Barcelona's path to winning La Liga might have gotten a lot easier than what they were expecting. If they keep Real Madrid behind them for one more game, they could be crowned this season's champions as the league is expected to go on strike starting next weekend. This would be the first time we would see a 36-week season.
That would leave both leaders without playing against Atletico Madrid (Barcelona) and Espanyol (Madrid), two games that were considered to shake thinks up in the fight for the championship. By law, any game that is not played can not be re-scheduled. The strike is expected to be effective by May 16.
Luis Enrique wants what is best for the players
"The desires of the players have to be taken into account. I hope [the strike] doesn't halt league play," says Luis Enrique #Lucho45
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 8, 2015
In 2011, the first games of La Liga were re-scheduled. The RFEF does not see that happening this time around. This summer, many South American players have to play Copa America in June while others have to go for the Gold Cup. Other international friendlies would limit the availability of many players.
Other spots that could be decided by this weekend are who goes to the Champions League, who gets into the Europa league and even who will not be playing in the First Division in the 2015-2016 season due to being in the relegation zone.
Players want a fair share from the money earned by TV rights
If nothing changes, Barcelona would win La Liga and qualify for next year's UCL along with Real Madrid and Atletico. Valencia would have to play the playoff game. Sevilla would qualify to the Europa League and Villareal would go via the playoff situation. Deportivo La Coruña,
Ancelotti hopes the issue is solved before the it affects the league
Carlo Ancelotti: The football strike? "I truly believe that this is a matter that is going to be resolved over the coming days."
— RMadridista (@01RMadridista) May 8, 2015
Negotiations will continue in the following days. Players like Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iker Casillas are in favor of stopping La Liga if the LFP does not meet the needs of the Spanish Players Federation (AFE). Right now, the postures of the LFP and the RFEF are completely opposite, making it hard to think they can find an agreement in the next hours or even days.
"The money we ask for is for the most humble: for the Second
"El dinero que pedimos es para los más humildes: para Segunda B; para que los humildes cuando se retiren tengan futuro". #RealDecretoConAFE
— AFE (@afefutbol) May 7, 2015
