La Liga, Round 34 review: Atlético Madrid win again, Barcelona still alive for now

At this point the math is simply and straightforward for Atlético Madrid: nine points from their last four matches means they win La Liga. Thanks to a 2-0 win over Elche on Friday, Atléti are now four points clear of Barcelona, who also won, and six points clear of Real Madrid, whose match was postponed to early May due to schedule congestion. Atléti are in that simultaneously wonderful and pressured filed position of holding their fate in their own hands. As Diego Simeone keeps saying, just three more cup finals to go.

Despite their loss against Barca, Athletic Bilbao are still in control of fourth place. That said, the race for the final Champions League place has become significantly more interesting thanks to Sevilla's 4-0 win over Granada. The two sides meet next week at the San Mamés in a positively massive match. Thanks to their tie in their first meeting, the winner of this match would hold the tiebreaker -- should it be needed -- meaning that Sevilla could pass Athletic with a win.

Real Valladolid remained in 17th place despite not playing this round, so with a game in hand on Getafe and Almeria, Valladolid should be feeling pretty good. Except that game in hand is against Real Madrid. Both Getafe and Almeria wasted chances to escape the drop zone for the moment, though Getafe did earn a point to pull even on points with Valladolid. If they were to remain tied, Valladolid holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Osasuna's 1-1 draw with Valencia could prove important for Los Rojillos, who clawed five points clear of the drop zone. They aren't safe, but since no one behind seems capable of winning these days, it might be enough.

Finally down at the very bottom of the league, Real Betis lost yet again, this time 3-1 against Rayo Vallecano. Rayo, who not that long ago were fighting against relegation, are now within a point of a top ten finish. Betis meanwhile have fallen 10 points back of safety, and could be officially relegated next round.

Levante 0-0 Getafe

Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol

Almeria 2-4 Celta Vigo

Malaga 2-0 Villarreal