Liga, the most interesting match of the penultimate round is the direct clash for the Europa League between Betis and Real Sociedad. Still turbulent situation as well in the salvation zone: predictions.
The match to be circled in red, in this penultimate day of La Liga, is the direct clash for sixth place between Betis and Real Sociedad: up for grabs, at the “Benito Villamarin” in Seville, a pass for the next Europa League. Ahead at the moment are the Basques, victorious in the midweek round with Valencia (1-0), but the lead is only one point.
The Andalusians, held back by Las Palmas on the last day, have a chance to make a new overtaking move and be masters of their own destiny next Sunday, when they pay a visit to a Real Madrid probably distracted by the upcoming Champions League final. Therefore, it will be Manuel Pellegrini’s men – almost certainly without star Isco – who will play the game, but woe betide underestimating Imanol’s team, which usually knows how to defend very well: we foresee a balanced match with at least one goal on each side. On the other hand, everything is now settled as far as the top four places are concerned: in the Champions League, in addition to champions Real Madrid, Barcelona, Girona and Atletico Madrid will also go there. The Blancos continue to rack up win after win – they swept aside Alaves 5-0 this week – and will give nothing away in the Vila-Real away game either, against an opponent that still has a chance, a remote one, of latching on to seventh place. Again, there should be no shortage of goals.
The predictions on the other matches
Barcelona has now secured second place and comes from two consecutive victories – both won 2-0 – with Real Sociedad and Almeria. While waiting to see what will become of coach Xavi – apparently it’s again a rift between the coach and the club’s top brass, who didn’t like some statements about the financial situation – the blaugrana could concede something against Rayo Vallecano, who only need a point to avert relegation to the Segunda Division.
In great relief “Cholo” Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, fresh off their fourth win in a row (0-3 at Getafe). The Colchoneros are in fine form and should settle even the quiet Osasuna, putting third place, now occupied by Girona, in their sights. That of the Catalans has been a resounding season, they even managed to qualify for the Champions League, but in the last period they have waned and will have difficulties as well at the Mestalla against Valencia, now out of the race for seventh place. In the salvation zone, the hopes of third-last Cadiz, -4 behind Mallorca, are still alive. The Andalusians must beat Las Palmas – not yet arithmetically safe – at all costs and hope they receive good news from the Balearic Islands. Mallorca, however, faces bottom-of-the-table Almeria and victory does not seem in question. Success is also likely for Celta Vigo, which with a win over Granada – another already relegated team – would celebrate a well-deserved salvation.
Liga: possible winners
Maiorca (in Mallorca-Almeria).
Athletic Bilbao (in Athletic Bilbao-Sevilla)
Cadiz or draw (in Cadiz-Las Palmas)
Celta Vigo (in Granada-Celta Vigo)
The matches of at least one goal per team
Villarreal-Real Madrid
Betis-Real Sociedad
Valencia-Girona
Liga: the matches with at least two total goals
Atletico Madrid-Osasuna.
Barcelona-Rayo Vallecano
Cadiz-Las Palmas
