It's the final match day of the La Liga season and the story is at the bottom where six clubs could potentially end Sunday in the Spanish Second Division. Real Zaragoza currently reside in the final relegation spot, but Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Getafe and Deportivo La Coruña are all still in the mix for the least wanted place in the table.
La Liga Saturday: The Grand Finale, Or The Story Is At The Bottom
There are three early matches on Saturday, all involving teams that play not part in the relegation decision. Barcelona will travel to Málaga have their final match before next weekend's Champions League final. Already relegated Hercules face Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid host Almeria. Cristiano Ronaldo, whose 38 league goals is tied for the single-season La Liga record, will have a chance to move atop of the record books all by himself.
Matches on Saturday, 4:00pm ET
Deportivo La Coruña vs. Valencia
It’s pretty simple for Deportivo. Points against Valencia, whose already secured third place, will likely mean safety in things break their way. A loss will guarantee they’ll need a lot of help to survive in the top flight seven years removed from making the Champions League semifinals.
Espanyol are out of the Europa League chase, but Sevilla are in a three way points tie for one of the two spots and could use a result to guarantee themselves a place in Europe next season.
Levante vs. Real Zaragoza
Levante are safe but Real Zaragoza desperately need points to try to avoid relegation. A draw might do it since Zaragoza hold the tiebreaker over Deportivo and Getafe who sit one point ahead of them. Of course, that assumes one of those teams loses. Better to win and hope for the best.
Mallorca vs. Atlético Madrid
Mallorca could be relegated but face an Atlético team that must win to have a chance at making the Europa League, along with a Sevilla or Bilbao loss. They are tied on points with those two clubs, but both hold the head-to-head tiebreaker on Atlético.
Osasuna vs. Villarreal
The Yellow Submarine are secure in fourth place, looking at a Champions League qualification match. Osasuna are two points off the drop and are safe if they can earn at least point. It’s setup well for them with Villarreal having nothing to really play for.
Racing Santander vs. Athletic Bilbao
Racing are safe while Bilbao are holding on to a Europa League spot. A win for Bilbao locks up their place in Europe while a draw or loss leaves the door open for Atlético Madrid.
Real Sociedad vs. Getafe
Two teams in danger of relegation could and a lot of scenarios that could effect their future could lead to an entertaining match. Playing for a draw doesn’t guarantee either team safety, so there is incentive for both to chase the full three points.
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