'Los Rojiblancos' were seen as the only other team to threaten Barcelona's stronghold on the league crown but their 1-0 loss to the Catalan giants on March 3 left that dream hanging by a thread.
Fastforward a month and the La Liga table continues to lean in 'Los Cules' favour as Ernesto Valverde's side enjoy a nine-point cushion over Atletico in second.
However, maybe the focus shouldn't be on the fight for the title, with Barcelona looking like the eventual champions, but instead on the battle for runner-up.
Diego Simeone's side currently have 67 points but their city rivals Real are only four points behind and with the Madrid derby set to take place on Sunday, that could yet turn things on their head.
If Zinedine Zidane's team end up victorious, that deficit will be reduced to one point - something that could easily be overturned with seven games remaining after the derby.
Nonetheless, if Atletico secure all three points, not only do they keep the title chase alive but they would look a guaranteed bet to finish ahead of their rivals in what would be another blow to Real's disappointing league campaign.
It may not be a title-deciding match but there will be plenty of pride at stake at the Bernabeu on Sunday.