If Barcelona win today they could be on the verge of clinching the league title. A gap of 11 points with 8 games to go, although not impossible, would be quite difficult for Real Madrid to overcome, and even more so as we are seeing the second half of the league unfold. I think today's game is crucial, because if Atletico Madrid win, it could give Real Madrid wings, which would be 8 points behind. In addition, as you say, Atletico would close the gap on Real Madrid and would even be 10 points behind Barcelona, which would be interesting.