The two most interesting matches in Spain this week bookend the schedule. Friday’s Seville Derby between Real Betis and Sevilla starts off the week, while things come to a close on Monday with a relegation six-pointer between Mallorca and Celta Vigo. Here’s a look at all the games this week.
La Liga 2013, Week 31 preview and fixtures: It’s Derbi sevillano time
Real Betis and Sevilla meet in the Derbi sevillano with a lot on the line for Betis. Barcelona can inch ever closer to claiming the league title as well.
Friday, April 12th
Real Betis vs. Sevilla FC
(22:00 CET, 4:00 p.m. ET)
The week in Spain opens with a good 'ol fashion derby rumble as Real Betis hosts Sevilla in the Derbi sevillano. While Sevilla will be looking for complete the double over Betis this season, the home side have two goals. First, they're looking for revenge after the 5-1 Sevilla win in the first derby of the season. Second, they're fighting for a European spot next season. Betis are currently in 7th, behind Malaga on goal differential. If Malaga's European ban is upheld, Betis will get the spot but they still have to hold off Getafe and Vallecano.
Saturday, April 13th
Getafe vs. Real Valladolid
(16:00 CET, 10:00 a.m. ET)
Getafe are three points back of the European race and could stand to turn some of their recent draws into wins if they really want to challenge for a spot. Last week’s draw against third place Atletico Madrid was a solid result but their tough run of games continues over the next three weeks so points will be at a premium.
Levante vs. Deportivo La Coruña
(18:00 CET, 12:00 p.m. ET)
Levante's slim European dream took a massive hit thanks to their 5-1 loss against Real Madrid last week. They'll look to bounce back against the recently hot Depor side who have moved from last place to within a point of safety thanks to three straight wins.
Espanyol vs. Valencia
(20:00 CET, 2:00 p.m. ET)
Valencia's last minute winner against Valladolid kept Valencia within two points of Real Sociedad for fourth place. Espanyol are coming off a win over Osasuna and are safely above the relegation fray. This game should mean more to Valencia but Espanyol would love nothing more than to trip them up as they try to claim a Champions League spot.
Malaga vs. Osasuna
(22:00 CET, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Malaga will no doubt be reeling a bit after their shocking defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League that saw the Anchovies give up two goals in stoppage time to crash out. They have no room for error though after last week’s loss to Real Sociedad ropped them down to sixth place. Osasuna could use a few more points to secure their place in the top division next season and this seems like a great opportunity for them to do just that.
Sunday, April 14th
Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Sociedad
(12:00 CET, 6:00 a.m. ET)
Real Sociedad are on a roll and sitting in fourth place with Champions League dreams floating through their heads. They cannot afford to get ahead of themselves though, which still a lot of work to do before they can claim that spot. With some tough games ahead against Madrid and Valencia, Real needs to claim every point they can.
Atletico Madrid vs. Granada
(17:00 CET, 11:00 a.m. ET)
Atletico’s disappointing scoreless draw against Getafe didn’t end their chances of finishing second this season but it didn’t help either. Atleti is know three point back of Real Madrid but with their rivals focused on the Champions League, they should get a chance to catch them. If they’re going to overtake Madrid, they need to stop leaving points on the table. Getafe will offer a good challenge as they chase a European spot for next season.
(19:00 CET, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Zaragoza still haven’t won in 2013 and yet they’re still somehow above the relegation zone. Depor is right on their tail now though and if they don’t start getting some points soon, they’re going to find themselves of the wrong side of the relegation line. Barcelona won’t lay down for Zaragoza but they’ll likely be without several starters after a busy mid-week.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid
(21:00 CET, 3:00 p.m. ET)
Real Madrid moved on in the Champions League on Tuesday and will now turn their attention back to the league for a couple weeks. Mourinho will probably rest a few starters but we’ve seen little from Athletic all season to make us believe they have an upset in them.
Monday, April 15th
Mallorca vs. Celta Vigo
(21:00 CET, 3:00 p.m. ET)
The week closes with a relegation six-pointer battle royale between Mallorca and Celta, two teams that are in desperate need of points in they want to remain in La Liga next season. Mallorca are in an absolute free fall having lost three games, but with two of those against Barca and Madrid, that was expected. Celta haven’t won since February and didn’t look good at all in their loss to Rayo last week. There’s still time left for both teams but they need wins now.
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