La Liga had long been called a “two horse race”, meaning that only two teams out of the entire league were typically in the running for the title.

In fact, until this season, all the drama of La Liga centered on the rivalry between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona.

Then something happened that few could have predicted: Atlético Madrid

This season, Atlético Madrid have not only made themselves the third horse in the race, they are presently leaving the long established horses in the dust.

For many long time fans of either Real Madrid or Barcelona, this turn of events is most distressing.

Not even a 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna could do much to change the fact that Atlético Madrid is in a truly enviable position.

A simple goal was enough to lift Atlético four points clear. With the end of the season fast approaching, a five point gap is dangerous to any other team with title aspirations.

As the saying goes, “It’s not over until it’s over.”

Real Madrid has a game in hand which could bring them within touching distance. This means they have extra points to pick up that Atlético does not. Should Atlético Madrid stumble in any of their three remaining games, it leaves open the door to being overtaken by Real Madrid.

Unfortunately for Barcelona, it would take a miracle for them to see out their season with any kind of silverware. They fell to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid also has a chance to win the Champions League.

One thing that can be said for this La Liga season is that it’s the most surprising and open it’s been in many years.

The fact that a “three horse” race is considered open must at the same time be considered rather unfortunate. There are 17 other teams in the league, lest we forget.

4-0: Real Madrid feast on goals and carry on in the fight for La Liga http://t.co/IR22ARveIc #RealMadridOsasuna pic.twitter.com/ivy0OmrmQE

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 26, 2014

Image via YouTube