As we approach the final seven matches of the season, there will be plenty of eyes on La Liga. The title race, involving Real Madrid and Barcelona, could be decided on Sunday when the two teams meet in the third and final Clasico – a win for Los Blancos would have them 11 points clear with 18 to play for.
Once that is settled, the next big thing to be decided will be which other two teams qualify for next season’s Champions League. Girona, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club are involved in that hunt, with seven points separating the three challengers – although Athletic have played a game more. Despite this deficit, it’s still a lottery – and if gambling is your thing, why not go with casibom güncel?
It would be a massive fairytale story if Girona were to finish inside the top four, and they are best-placed to do so, given that they currently occupy third place. Ahead of his final stretch of seven matches, they are four points clear of Atleti and seven ahead of Athletic. They can go seven and 10 clear respectively if they defeat Cadiz at Montilivi on Saturday night, and if they can do so, that would surely have them with one foot in next season’s Champions League.
Michel Sanchez’s side have had an incredible campaign, although it has tailed off in recent weeks with five defeats in their last eight matches. They still have Barcelona and Valencia to play too, so although they are in a good position as things stand, it won’t be straightforward for them to secure Champions League qualification.
It would be a massive failure if Atleti didn’t finish inside the top four, given how good their squad is. They are three points clear of Athletic at the moment, an advantage that they can increase to six if Alaves are defeated in Vitoria on Sunday. There is no more Champions League football for Diego Simeone’s side this season after the defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, which will give them the chance to focus fully on La Liga.
Athletic have already had a memorable season after winning the Copa del Rey for the first time in 40 years, and they would cap it off if they can secure Champions League football for next season. However, Friday’s 1-1 draw at home to Granada was a major blow to their chances, and their fate is out of their hands – although they do face Atleti next weekend in a massive fixture in Madrid.
Even if Girona and Atleti win their matches in hand this weekend, the race for the top four will still be open. It will be very exciting to watch this play out over the coming weeks, as La Liga proves once again that it is one of the most exciting leagues in the world.
