Real Madrid leads Barcelona by goal difference in La Liga standings with both teams on 22 points.

In the prestigious and highly competitive league of La Liga, Real Madrid has been leading their rivals Barcelona by a comfortable margin with a total of 22 points. The two clubs have already shared many notable victories during this season, but it's clear that they're set to dominate the upcoming season. This is evident from Real Madrid's recent impressive performance in the Copa del Rey, where they defeated Athletic Bilbao in the final, securing the title for them once again.

Barcelona, on the other hand, has also shown signs of improvement since the end of last season. They've been performing well defensively, conceding just 18 goals per season compared to 27 goals last year. However, their attacking prowess has been somewhat underwhelming, as they currently rank 14th in terms of goals scored per game, trailing Real Madrid by only one point.

With Real Madrid leading Barcelona by a comfortable margin at the moment, there are several reasons why they could be expected to maintain their lead throughout the rest of the season. Firstly, Real Madrid has a strong squad led by Lionel Messi, who continues to perform at an exceptional level despite his age. Secondly, their team-mates like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos have been providing crucial support for the captain, making him more confident and capable of taking charge in critical matches. Finally, the club has also secured key signings from top European leagues such as Manchester United and Juventus, which will undoubtedly add value to their midfield and defense.

On the other hand, Barcelona have faced some challenges in recent seasons due to injuries and roster changes. Despite this, they still have a talented squad led by Lionel Messi, who remains one of the most influential players in world football. However, they might struggle against the likes of Real Madrid if they don't improve their defensive stability and adaptability.

Overall, Real Madrid's lead over Barcelona is a testament to their superior quality and experience, while Barcelona must do everything possible to avoid complacency and regain their competitiveness. With a strong squad, experienced players, and a good manager, Barcelona can certainly make a serious challenge for Real Madrid in the coming years.