La Liga Standings: Did Barcelona Clinch League Championship Over Real Madrid?

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Nov 23, 2015 01:54 PM EST

Wow.

Who saw that coming?

Barcelona completely dominated Real Madrid from start to finish in Week 12, 4-0. It was one of the most lopsided scores in El Clasico history. Barcelona was the superior squad from start to finish while Real Madrid have now lost their second consecutive league game. Real Madrid fans couldn't be more furious with how their team performed at home, and "Cristiano Ronaldo return to English Premier League" rumors are swirling like wildfire.

But this isn't about Real Madrid. It's more about Barcelona.

Barcelona is firing on all cylinders, and they now have a commanding six point lead in the standings over their bitter rivals. This was by far their biggest and most crucial win of the season, especially when you take into account the circumstances. Barcelona didn't just beat and humiliate Real Madrid, but they did it in their backyard. This was the largest Barcelona victory over Real Madrid on the road since 1974. As Real Madrid's struggles continue to pile up, Barcelona is hitting their stride at just the right time.

Although we are only 12 weeks complete into this La Liga season, it feels as if Barcelona clinched their 24th league title on Saturday.

To put matters into perspective on just how much superior Barcelona is over Real Madrid at the moment, one has to remember that Barcelona had already taken a commanding 3-0 lead before Lionel Messi even entered the game in 57th minute. Neymar and Luis Suarez (who both scored on Saturday in the first half) have been playing like the best players in the league in Messi's absence. Neymar currently leads La Liga in goals scored with 12 while Suarez is in second with 11 goals of his own. Can you imagine how unstoppable Barcelona is going to be once Messi regains his form back in the lineup?

Claudio Bravo's performance against Real Madrid reminded soccer fans of why is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Barcelona will take on Real Madrid once more this season, in Week 31, however that game will be played at the Camp Nou. Barcelona is a perfect 6-0 this season playing at home, and there's no reason to believe Real Madrid will defeat them in Week 31. Real Madrid hasn't beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou in a league game since 2012.

The only other club in the world that is playing at the same elite level right now appears to be Bayern Munich. Looks like we could see these two clubs face off in the UEFA Champions League again.

Of course there's still plenty of time remaining in this season, but things don't look very promising for Real Madrid. Barcelona is getting their best player back, and it doesn't look like they will surrender that first place lead anytime soon.