It’s almost June and trophies are being presented across the footballing world. From promotions to league titles and cups, the end of the season has finally arrived. There is still much to play for in Spain’s top flight, not least the fierce battle to remain in the division.
On Saturday evening, the regular Segunda season came to a close as Granada and Las Palmas sealed automatic promotion to LaLiga. It puts the looming presence of the grim relegation reaper into sharper focus; seven teams are still trying to ensure they will not be the ones those promoted sides end up replacing.
On Sunday the unified kick off times come into force, another sign that the end is nigh. There are three standout fixtures in particular to keep an eye on, two of which pit relegation-threatened rivals directly against one another.
Mestalla has been the focus of global attention in the last week, following the abuse suffered by Vini Jr, the subsequent denials and retributions, and the appeal and counter-appeal against the sanctioned closure of the Mario Kempes stand. Valencia were able to reduce the length of the partial closure, but it will be in force for this crucial clash against Espanyol.
Rubén Baraja’s side had the opportunity to secure themselves in midweek, but lost in Mallorca to remain in a precarious position. Los Che are just two points above the danger zone, and have work to do to ensure they maintain their status.
Espanyol are in much more serious peril, three points from safety and realistically needing to win both of their remaining games to have a fighting chance. They showed that fight and resilience in midweek, coming from 3-0 down to earn a draw against Atlético Madrid, but were incandescent about Antoine Griezmann’s goal being allowed to stand despite doubts over the whole ball crossing the goal line. They issued a communicado demanding the match be replayed, but there is as much chance of that happening as there is for Mouctar Diakhaby to get behind LaLiga’s performative pre-match unity banner.
If Espanyol lose at Mestalla, and all of Getafe, Cádiz and Real Valladolid get any positive result in their games, Los Pericos will be relegated for the second time in four seasons. As such, and given the interest in the reaction at Mestalla following a tense week, this is probably the game to watch.
Elsewhere, and fittingly on the weekend Segunda concluded, last season’s automatically promoted sides face off. Almería will host Real Valladolid at the Power Horse needing another home energy boost to keep afloat. A staggering 32 of their 39 points have come on their own patch, by far the most home-dominant team in the league. For Rubi’s men, the equation is clear: win and they stay up. Having won three of their last four at home, and looking at Real Valladolid’s less than impressive away form, there is a strong chance of that happening, which would leave Real Valladolid facing an all-on-nothing final day clash with Getafe.
Last but by no means least, Real Sociedad travel to the capital knowing a win will confirm Champions League football. Their only challengers are in Madrid too, Villarreal facing Rayo at Vallecas. Anything less than a win would also end the Yellow Submarine’s hopes, whatever La Real do at the Metropolitano. Quique Setién would surely have been delighted to see his former club Las Palmas return to the top flight, but this match will be tough. Vallecas will be saying their goodbyes to Andoni Iraola, who confirmed on Saturday that he would not be signing a new contract with Rayo, ending his three-year spell at the club as he seems Premier League-bound. Having taken them from Segunda to the gates of Europe, it will be an emotional farewell for all concerned.
Other highlights include the last game at Camp Nou in its current guise, before Barcelona’s temporary relocation to Montjuïc as renovation work is undertaken. There will be tearful goodbyes for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, playing their last home matches. Finally, Cádiz vs Celta is set up to be a nervy encounter, while Girona vs Betis should be a fun watch.
For the penultimate matchday, sit back, relax and savour all the drama and fluctuations as the longest season hurtles towards its climax. Tears are guaranteed, fear too, but no one knows for sure which way it will go.