Real Madrid's surprising home loss against Sporting Gijon killed their title chances last week, but all is not lost. Los Merengues are still in contention in two other competitions, and will have to go through Barcelona to win either of them. With four Clasicos in a three week span coming up soon for Real and Barca, momentum could be key. It's an old cliche, but it's hard to believe that any team can rise to the occasion and bring enough to win against a team like Madrid or Barcelona after a poor run of form. This week's La Liga fixtures aren't all about momentum, though. Some have very real consequences. While those two teams are simply building momentum for the big show, Valencia and Villarreal are playing for something tangible.
Spanish La Liga, Round 31: Real Madrid Go To La Catedral, Barcelona Heavy Favorites, Valencia Vs. Villarreal The Big Game
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid
Saturday, 12 pm ET
A trip to San Mames is tough for anyone, especially when Athletic Bilbao are in good form. A win last week moved them up to fifth place, but a loss to Real Madrid would probably move them right back out. The race for Europa League spots has been wild all season, and Athletic have drifted in and out of it many times. The sexy pick against big teams is usually for them to get a draw at home, but they only have three total draws all season. I like Madrid to squeak out a close one with a finally healthy Gonzalo Higuain being the difference maker.
Barcelona Vs. Almeria
Saturday, 2 pm ET
Oh, poor Almeria. Bottom of the table and headed for Camp Nou. Sucks to be them.
Valencia Vs. Villarreal
Sunday, 3 pm ET
This is the big show for the weekend, as Los Che battle the Yellow Submarine for third place and a guaranteed UEFA Champions League place. You never know who you’re going to draw in the final qualifying round, so both teams are probably putting a strong emphasis on finishing third. Villarreal should be full of confidence after their mid-week decimation of FC Twente, while Valencia were in poor form prior to last week’s win. I like the Yellow Submarine to at least nick a draw on the road.
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