La Liga Matchday 37 Preview: Several battles could be decided in the penultimate round of the season
After the midweek games of MD36, League action continues this weekend with MD37, the penultimate round of what has been a fascinating campaign. Real Madrid are already crowned champions, but many other battles are still very much alive and could reach their conclusions this weekend.
Making this matchday extra special is the fact that there is a unified Sunday kick-off time for most games, so all the drama will unfold at the same time. The only game that takes place outside of Sunday evening is the duel between the 11th ranked Alaves and 10th place Getafe on Saturday, with these two clubs firmly in the middle of the table.
The list of Sunday's games will then all be at 19:00 CEST and the relegation battle promises to be particularly exciting. Cádiz They currently occupy 18th place, which is the last relegation spot to be decided, but Los Amarillos have won their last two games and will be hoping to complete a great run as they chase down those above them. This weekend, Cadiz faces one of its direct competitors, in The Palms. The islanders have not won since February 10 and have been dragged into the relegation battle and within sight of Cadiz. As such, it promises to be a thrilling duel at Estadio Mirandilla, with a lot at stake.
Majorca they are the closest team to Cadiz in the standings now, with only a four-point cushion, so Javier Aguirre's team understands how important their home game against the top places is. Almeria is it. They could not defeat the Andalusian team away from home before this term, so they need to step up their game for Sunday's game.
Meanwhile, Celtic enter the penultimate round with a five-point gap to Cadiz, having earned an important win in midweek. The Galicians are not sure yet. However, like Mallorca, they also faced an opponent already relegated, in their case Granada. As such, Iago Aspas and co. expected to collect three more points and confirm their place in the League.
Vallecano Ray are the other club still at risk of relegation and, worryingly for them, they have a tough trip to Catalonia to face Barcelona Sunday. The good news for the Madrid team is that they have a good recent record against Barca, having gone five unbeaten against Los Azulgrana.
Away from the relegation battle, the other big storyline to be resolved is the race for Europe. The Real Betis and Real society They currently occupy the last two European places and will meet at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Considering that the sixth carries a Europa League ticket, while the seventh is the Conference League, both clubs hope to achieve victory and enter the most prestigious UEFA competition.
Considering that one or both of Real Betis and Real Sociedad will drop some points, that opens up an opportunity for Villarreal, which are right behind. They play at home, but against a tough opponent Real Madrid. Even in the Valencian Community, Valencia to face Gerona.
elsewhere, Atletico Madrid play their last home game of the campaign, when they take Hi. The Colchoneros have already qualified for the Champions League, but they want to make it a 12th consecutive final in the top three.
Another team playing for pride and hoping to move up the table will be Seville, who could still finish in the top half despite what has been a tumultuous campaign. Will pay him a visit Athletic Club in Bilbao, where the San Mames crowd will watch icons like Iker Muniain and Raul Garcia play for the last time. There really is a little bit of everything coming up on this penultimate day of the season.
Watch LALIGA EA SPORTS live this weekend on Premier Sports.
