As we approach Week 23 of the 2015 La Liga season, the standings are getting tighter and tighter.

Each and every game is becoming extremely crucial. Spanish League soccer fans still have 15 weeks remaining in this season until we crown a champion, but we've seen some movement on top of the standings lately.

In one of their most embarrassing losses ever, Real Madrid lost the "Madrid Derby" to Atletico Madrid in Week 22, 4-0. This loss was particularly terrible because it featured the return of Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. With Ronaldo back in the lineup from his two-game suspension, many expected him to take over and dominate. Unfortunately, that was far from the case as Real Madrid allowed four goals for just the second time this season.

The foot injury to James Rodriguez may be a more devastating one that people originally thought. Rodriguez is Real Madrid's best attacking middle fielder with eight goals and seven assists this season. The young Colombian made a huge name for himself at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring the most goals at the tournament.

Right behind Real Madrid is their rival, Barcelona. Barcelona has won five consecutive games thanks to Lionel Messi and Neymar. Messi and Neymar have a combined 13 goals in the last five games, which are all Barcelona victories. Barcelona currently has a 17-2-3 record with 53 points. Real Madrid has an 18-0-4 record, giving them 54 points.

The biggest advantage Barcelona has over Real Madrid going forward is defense and goaltending. Iker Casillas has allowed 20 goals in his 20 starts while Claudio Bravo has allowed just 13 goals in his 22 starts. Like other leagues, defense wins championships, and Barcelona has by far the best defense this season.

Another key factor to remember is head-to-head match-ups. Real Madrid did defeat Barcelona back in Week 9, but the two teams will square off again in Week 28. That game will be played at Camp Nou, where Barcelona has lost just one time this season. We also can't forget about the defending champions, Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid is 2-0 against Real Madrid this season. If the two teams are tied atop the standings at season's end, Atletico Madrid will own the tie-breaker.

There's still no definitive date for Rodriguez's return, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to devise new plays without him.

As for Barcelona, they're rolling thanks to their superstar leader. Over the last month of La Liga play, Messi has eight goals while Ronaldo has just two. One month ago, Ronaldo looked like he was going to smash the single season record for goals in a season, 50 set by Messi in the 2011-12 season. Now, Messi is just five goals behind Ronaldo and he has three more assists.

Real Madrid is still in first place, but without Rodriguez on the field and other teams catching up, they have to play with a sense of urgency. Atletico Madrid is their kryptonite, and Barcelona is on fire. Now we will see just how good Ronaldo can be.

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