Can Barcelona finally claim the title? Will Sociedad lose their grip on fourth place and allow Valencia to overtake them? Can Deportivo La Coruña pull themselves back out of the drop zone? Questions will be answered this week in La Liga. Here’s a preview of all the action.
La Liga 2013, Week 35 preview and fixtures: Barcelona need a win against Atletico Madrid to claim the title
While there are key games that will affect the European and relegation battle, all eyes will be on Barcelona as they need a win over Atletico Madrid to clinch their 22nd La Liga title.
Friday, May 10th
(21:00 CET, 3:00 p.m. ET)
With time running out this is an important match for Real Zaragoza who currently sit one point above the drop zone in 17th. Celta Vigo's midweek loss was a boost but now Zaragoza need to take advantage and expand their advantage over Depor. A win for Levante would secure their place in the top flight next season, though they've basically already earned it.
Saturday, May 11th
Athletic Bilbao vs. Mallorca
(16:00 CET, 10:00 a.m. ET)
Mallorca's three match winless streak -- one loss, two draws -- has them stuck in last place and in total desperation mode with only four matches left to play. Anything other than three points again Athletic Bilbao just won't do at this point, but unfortunately for Mallorca, Athletic still need a couple points to ensure their safety. On the road at the San Mamés, things aren't looking good for Mallorca.
Real Valladolid vs. Deportivo La Coruña
(18:00 CET, 12:00 p.m. ET)
Three straights draws have Depor back in the drop zone, one point behind Zaragoza. While that may end up being good enough, depending on what Zaragoza does, wins would be much better. In fact, at least one win from those last three draws would have been enough to have them above 17th. Valladolid could mathematically secure their safety for next reason with a result, so this will be a tough one for Depor.
(20:00 CET, 2:00 p.m. ET)
Getafe broke a five match winless streak with their won over Sociedad last week, but it’s still probably too little, too late to save their European ambitions unless they keep winning and Betis slumps. Osasuna are one point above the drop zone and need points quickly to keep their nose ahead of Zaragoza and Depor.
Espanyol vs. Real Madrid
(22:00 CET, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Real Madrid won again against Malaga during the midweek, allowing them to push the title race just a little bit farther. No matter what Madrid does against Espanyol won’t matter if Barca win on Sunday and with the Copa del Rey final a week away, it’s probably a good time for Mourinho to rest starters. Mesut Özil will miss the match after twisting his ankle on Wednesday. Espanyol are safely in the mid-table, ensured of a place in the top flight next season.
Sunday, May 12th
(12:00 CET, 6:00 a.m. ET)
Valencia got a boost with Real Sociedad's shock loss to Getafe, allowing Los Che to close back within two points for fourth place. They'll need a win on the road against Rayo if they want to keep the pressure on Real and should be able to get it against whose European hopes were crushed by Zaragoza last week. Sergio Canales is out for Valencia after suffering another hamstring injury.
Real Betis vs. Celta Vigo
(17:00 CET, 11:00 a.m. ET)
With Malaga banned from Europe next season, Real Betis are in the driver’s seat for a Europa League spot. Three of their last four matches, including this week’s game against Celta, are against team’s in the bottom three or on the cusp of it. There will be no excuses if Betis fail to finish strong and claim a European spot. Celta Vigo suffered a demoralizing loss against Atletico on Wednesday and desperately need three points. Their attack will need to step it up if they want to have any hopes of saving themselves.
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona
(19:00 CET, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Atletico Madrid got a nice win over Celta Vigo and secured a third place finish. The only thing left for Atleti to concern themselves with now is the Copa del Rey final in one week. Then again, they could deny Barcelona the title for another week if they can keep the Catalans from three points. Logic says Diego Simeone will rest starters with a trophy on the line next Saturday, but we’ll see. For Barca it’s simple, win and the league title returns to their hands for the fourth time in five years.
Malaga vs Sevilla FC
(21:00 CET, 3:00 p.m. ET)
Malaga were absolutely hammered by Real Madrid on Wednesday and lost two startes to red cards. Their on the verge of falling out of a European spot -- should they win their long shot appeal this summer that could matter -- and the likely departure of Manuel Pellegrini is also hanging over the team. Malaga just hasn’t been able to recover from the gut punch against Dortmund in the Champions League. Sevilla are safe for next season.
Monday, May 13th
Real Sociedad vs. Granada
(22:00 CET, 4:00 p.m. ET)
Real Sociedad needs to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Getafe last week that allowed Valencia to close down their advantage in fourth place. It’s do or die time for Philippe Montanier and his team. Win and a Champions League spot is the prize, fail to win and Valencia could overtake them this weekend. Real will know what Valencia did in their games which will help, but Granada have won two straight and are still in relegation danger, so they’ll be playing for points as well.
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