When Angel Lafita equalised for Getafe in stoppage time last Saturday, Barcelona's title hopes were over and the players, staff and fans were looking at what the club could do to improve for next season but things aren't always as straight forward as that in football.
The remarkable turnaround started when Atletico Madrid lost 2-0 to Levante on Sunday afternoon which on it's own didn't make a great deal of difference to Barcelona. Later in the evening Real Madrid went 1-0 and 2-1 down at home to Valencia which gave Barcelona hope but that was ripped away by Cristiano Ronaldo who scored a stunning equaliser which meant Barcelona's only realistic part in the title race would be deciding which Madrid club lifted the crown when they faced Atleti in the final week of the season.
Things remained that way until the 85th minute of Wednesday nights clash between Real Valladolid and Real Madrid. Madrid were leading 1-0 thanks to yet another Sergio Ramos goal but amazingly Valladolid substitute Osorio managed to get his head to a cross from Javier Baraja and suddenly the destination of La Liga was back in the hands of Barcelona.
Barcelona now have to beat Elche to set up a winner takes all clash at the Camp Nou with Atletico Madrid. Anything less than a win for Barcelona and Atletico would be crowned champions tonight if they win at home to Malaga.
Barcelona have taken a big squad to Elche leaving behind just Victor Valdes although Carlos Puyol, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Neymar are all injured and will take no part in the match. Barcelona haven't been in good form recently winning just two of their last six games but surely they will be able to motivate themselves for this one after being handed the most unlikeliest of lifelines.
Elche will do their utmost to make life difficult for Barcelona as they are involved in a grandstand finish of their own. They are currently three points clear of the relegation zone but the teams below them have winnable games in the last two weeks while they face Barcelona before a trip to Sevilla next weekend. They could still stay up with two defeats but they will want to control their own destiny and take care of business this week in front of their own fans.
Taking on Barcelona is never easy but they will have to do it without two key defenders. Edu Albacar who was arguably Elche's best player this year hasn't played since March due to injury and centre back, Alberto Botia also misses out after picking up a red card in last weekends win over Malaga.
Another story that may develop over the last two weeks of La Liga is the race for the Pichichi trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads Lionel Messi by three goals but the Real Madrid man came off with a hamstring injury on Wednesday and if Messi could grab a few goals here he may just beat his rival and secure his third Pichichi in a row.
Barcelona will undoubtedly be favourites to win this one but they haven't looked impressive recently and even the two games they won weren't in their usual style. With Elche looking to avoid slipping into the relegation dogfight next week this should be a very good game. This Barcelona team have often saved their best performances for the big games and whilst next week would be a bigger game they have to earn the right to play for the title and that means taking care of business here.