How Barcelona and Lionel Messi can win La Liga title against Levante

Spanish champions will be guaranteed success if they win, but they may not need to do so to be able to start celebrating

There will be league title celebrations for Lionel Messi, left, and Ernesto Valverde, if Barcelona beat Levante on Saturday. AP Photo  

Barcelona can retain the Spanish La Liga title on Saturday when they go up against Levante at Camp Nou at 10.45pm UAE time.

They are nine points clear of nearest rivals Atletico Madrid with four games to go.

Here is a look at how the squad, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique, can be celebrating on Saturday evening.

Without kicking a ball in anger

If Atletico lose to Real Valladolid in their match at 6.15pm then it guarantees the title to Barca.

They would still be nine points behind, but with only three games remaining. That meant that even if they won those three games, and Barca managed to somehow lose their last four games, an unlikely scenario given they have lost just two of their first 34 games, they could only finish level.

In Spain when two teams finish level the first tie-breaker is the head-to-head record.

Barca win on that front, having won 2-0 at home on April 6, following the 1-1 draw in Madrid in November at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Victory over Levante

If Atletico draw or win over Valladolid then all Barcelona need to do is match Diego Simeone's side.

A draw does the job if Atletico drew, and a win will secure the title if Atletico had a positive result in their game.

What happens if Barcelona fail to win

If Atletico win against Valladolid and Barca fail to take all three points against Levante then the title race goes on another week.

Their next chance would be at Celta Vigo on May 4.

Important to get the job done before Liverpool games

Ernesto Valverde will be keen for Barca to do the job on Saturday so he can turn his attentions solely to the Uefa Champions League semi-final with Liverpool.

The first leg is in Barcelona on May 1 with the second leg on May 7, and it would be a relief to Valverde if he did not have to play a full strength side against Celta Viga and allow his key personnel some rest before they head to England.

Treble target

The league, which would be the 26th time Barca have won it, could be the start of a treble. They are still in the Champions League as mentioned and are in the Copa del Rey final on May 25 against Valencia.