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La Liga 2013, Week 34 preview and fixtures: Barcelona could clinch the title but they’ll need help
Barcelona could finally clinch the league title with a win combined with a loss for draw by Real Madrid. Meanwhile Real Sociedad can move closer to an amazing fourth place finish, while Valencia and Malaga continue the pursuit.
Friday, May 3rd
Celta Vigo vs. Atheltic Bilbao
(21:00 CET, 3:00 p.m. ET)
Celta Vigo are one point behind Depor for the precious 17th position -- the final non-relegation spot -- and will be hoping to extend their two match winning streak against Athletic. While this will be a tough game for Celta, they can at least be comforted by the fact that their three rivals in the race to avoid relegation all have tough matches as well. Athletic played well and earned a draw against Barcelona last week and could all but ensure their safety for next season with a win.
Saturday, May 4th
(16:00 CET, 10:00 a.m. ET)
Valencia are licking their wounds after a 4-2 defeat against Real Sociedad last week that allowed Real to move five points clear of Los Che in the race for fourth place. They can't be eliminated from a shot at a Champions League spot this week but allowed Real to expand their lead would not be beneficial. Osasuna are only three points clear of the drop zone and will be looking for points as they fight to stay in the top flight.
Granada vs. Malaga
(18:00 CET, 12:00 p.m. ET)
Malaga bounced back from their humiliating loss to Valencia with a win over Getafe last week that keeps them just ahead in 5th position. While they won't know until the summer if their European ban from UEFA will be overturned, they can still try and position themselves for a European spot should a ruling go their way. Granada are in the thick of the relegation fight, two points clear of the drop zone and are in desperate need of points.
Real Madrid vs. Real Valladolid
(20:00 CET, 2:00 p.m. ET)
Madrid nearly completed a huge comeback against Dortmund in the Champions League but fell a goal short. While their chances of erasing Barca’s 11-point lead at the top of the league are slim, they can at least force their rivals to wait another week before that can lift the trophy with a win over Valladolid. Just how motivated Madrid will be remains to be seen and Valladolid will be hoping for a distracted
Deportivo La Coruña vs. Atletico Madrid
(22:00 CET, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Depor’s draw against Rel Betis last week was enough to pull them one point clear of Celta Vigo for 17th place. The resurgent Blue and Whites haven’t lost in five games, a run that has allowed them to have a shot at avoiding their second relegation in three years. Atletico Madrid were once again defeated by their city rivals Real Madrid but can look forward to another shot in the Copa del Rey final. As for their hopes of a second place finish, they need to keep winning and hope Madrid slips up.
Sunday, April 5th
(12:00 CET, 6:00 a.m. ET)
Things are pretty straightforward for Mallorca at this point...they have to start winning. They’re current stuck in last place but they could find themselves back out of the drop zone if results go their way. Levante will be hoping for a win combined with some bad results for the teams at the bottom that could officially secure their safety in the top flight next season.
Real Zaragoza vs. Rayo Vallecano
(17:00 CET, 11:00 a.m. ET)
Both teams need points for different reasons. Rayo are three points back of Real Betis for 7th and a potential European spot in Malaga remained banned. Zaragoza got a big win over Mallorca last week but they still sit in 19th, two points out of 17th.
(19:00 CET, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Both Sevilla and Espanyol are basically safe though the math isn’t official just yet. Both sides could also make a run to a European spot but it’s a long shot. Mid-table excitement for the win!
Barcelona vs. Real Betis
(21:00 CET, 3:00 p.m. ET)
Barcelona will know by the time they kickoff whether or not they can claim the league title with a win over Real Betis. If Madrid lose or draw against Valladolid on Saturday, the Blaugrana can end things with three points. If Madrid wins, the best Barcelona can do is win and know they can secure the title next week. After their Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich, they’ll probably be ready to end things as soon as possible. As for Betis, they are trying to stay in the European chase and will be looking to extend Barca’s stress and misery.
Monday, April 6th
Getafe vs. Real Sociedad
(22:00 CET, 4:00 p.m. ET)
The week closes with another important match in the European race. Real Sociedad got a huge win over Valencia last week that allowed them to open a five points lead in fourth place. At this point Real just need to keep piling up points and a Champions League place will likely be in their hands, dropping points will just open the door and create more stress. Getafe haven’t won in five games but are still alive for a Europa League place. A win over Real would be a big boost.
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