It doesn't matter if you still believe Barcelona can compete with Real Madrid for the title but for me, I'm fully convinced and would say that Real Madrid are already assured of the La Liga trophy this season. It doesn't matter if Barcelona manage to improve their performance because after all, an 8-point gap is not a close point gap so it will obviously be difficult for Barcelona to catch Real Madrid or maybe, very unlikely. Because after all, Real Madrid is basically a team with above-average quality and thus, Real Madrid will certainly be able to consistently get good results in the remaining matches remaining until the end of the season. Saying or hoping Barcelona wins the title this season, I think it's just like an empty hope because it's impossible to happen.
It is okay if there are some people who believe Barcelona still has the chance to compete wit Real Madrid. They may be the fanatic fans, they won't accept that Barcelona performed very unstable currently. You are right the point gap is 8 points and it is a quite large gap, it won't be easy to shorten the point gap because Barcelona still have some big matches. In matchday 29, Barcelona will play against Atletico Madrid and they will play against Real Madrid in matchday 32. They also have the match against Girona in matchday 34. With these 3 big matches, I am sure there is a chance to lose points. Instead of shortening the point gap, it may be larger.
Real Madrid seems to have easier matches. The only big match is when they play against Barcelona in matchday 32. The match will be also held in Real Madrid home, so Real Madrid actually gets the advantage of the match. If Real Madrid can beat Barcelona, I'm sure they are very safe to be the champion in this season.
By the way, La Liga only has 9 matches left. It won't be easy to overtake 8 points gap with few matches only.