As La Liga heads into its penultimate week, several key issues remain unresolved despite the champions and relegated teams already being decided. Here's a look at three hot topics in Spain this weekend:
Real Sociedad and Real Betis face off in a crucial clash on Sunday, vying for Europa League qualification. Currently, Real Sociedad sit sixth, just one point ahead of seventh-placed Betis. The hosts Betis, who have been dealing with injuries to key midfielders Isco and Guido Rodriguez, will hope to capitalize on home advantage at the sold-out Benito Villamarin stadium. Real Sociedad secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Valencia in their last match, with goalkeeper Alex Remiro playing a pivotal role, and will aim to continue their European streak.
Cadiz, currently 18th, are fighting to avoid relegation. They've managed back-to-back 1-0 victories, which have kept their slim hopes alive. With four points separating them from safety, their upcoming match against Las Palmas, who haven't won in 12 La Liga games, is crucial. A win for Cadiz would keep their survival hopes alive going into the final matchday, although they will still need favorable results from other matches to avoid joining Granada and Almeria in relegation.
Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with significant attention on coach Xavi Hernandez. Despite initially planning to leave the club due to the job's toll on him, Xavi decided to stay. His recent comments about Barcelona's financial struggles reportedly upset club president Joan Laporta, who did not attend the team's recent 2-0 win against Almeria. Barcelona are aiming to secure second place ahead of Girona, and any slip-up against Rayo could further strain the relationship between Xavi and Laporta.
Villarreal's Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth has been in sensational form, netting 19 goals this season. As Villarreal prepare to host new champions Real Madrid, Sorloth remains their main hope for an upset. He trails La Liga's top scorer Artem Dovbyk by just one goal and could potentially finish the season as the top scorer.
- 2: Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann is the only player with two hat-tricks this season in La Liga.
- 163: Cadiz striker Chris Ramos has won the most aerial duels in the league.
- 500: Sevilla full-back Jesus Navas reached 500 La Liga appearances for the club this week.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
Saturday:
- Alaves v Getafe (1900)
Sunday:
- Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
- Granada v Celta Vigo
- Valencia v Girona
- Atletico v Osasuna
- Cadiz v Las Palmas
- Real Betis v Real Sociedad
- Mallorca v Almeria
- Villarreal v Real Madrid
- Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla (all 1700)
As the season nears its end, the drama in La Liga continues with crucial battles for European spots, survival, and internal club dynamics.
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