The final countdown
A dramatic midweek round awaits as the starting gun is fired on the sprint to the finish.
It seems strange to be talking about football right now. Amid the scourge of racist slurs, accusations and sniping, it has been a denigrating couple of days for pretty much everyone involved in Spanish football. The only hope is that such is the widespread condemnation of events at Mestalla, this can be a watershed moment, the beginning of genuine progressive change. Maybe this is idealistic. The issue is a lot deeper than football. Football is not important.
Football is, however, the most important of the least important things in life. For fans, players, coaches, directors and support staff, the defining period of the season is now upon us. The time at which the culmination of a season’s efforts can be realised, objectives met or targets missed.
The title race is long decided, with Barcelona already paraded and in possession of the trophy. Real Madrid and Atlético are guaranteed Champions League spots for next season, and Elche are down. But elsewhere, there is everything to play for, and this upcoming midweek round of matches could be crucial.
In the European race, Real Sociedad are well placed. Seeing Villarreal win in added time against Girona would have been a suckerpunch to many, but they were able to focus their minds and beat Barça at Camp Nou, something no other side has managed in the league this season.
Two wins absolutely guarantees a top four spot for Imanol’s side, and if Villarreal drop points that requirement would be reduced. Both sides have winnable home games in midweek, but La Real play first so have the opportunity to pile on the pressure. Almería will arrive off the back of a confidence-boosting victory at the weekend, but their away form is the reason they are not safe yet. Real Sociedad have to face Atleti and Sevilla in their final two, so the importance of a win here is paramount.
Villarreal – already guaranteed a Europa League spot at least – face Cádiz, another side who won at the weekend but remain in peril. Quique Setién’s side also face Atleti, on the final matchday, so want to keep winning to keep the pressure on La Real. If the Txuri-urdin win and Villarreal do not, that fourth spot is sealed.
The race for the Europa and Conference Leagues has more life in it. Betis are looking good for 6th spot, holding a six-point cushion over Athletic Club. A win for Betis confirms another season in the Europa League for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, given their superior head-to-head record over Los Leones. Athletic have possession of the Conference League spot, but Girona, Sevilla, Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano are all within four points of them. Osasuna hosting Athletic on Thursday is the direct clash of the round, while Sevilla would expect to beat Elche. Sevilla qualifying for Europe seemed unthinkable eight weeks ago, and they may yet end up in the Champions League if they win in Budapest.
At the bottom, things are more complex because of the number of teams still involved and their proximity to each other. Mallorca, Valencia, Almería and Celta could all confirm their safety if results go their way, while the rest are guaranteed to fight at least until the weekend.
Espanyol pulled three points out of the fire at Rayo to drag themselves back, but they take on Atleti at the RCDE, so they need to raise themselves again. Getafe head to Betis, while Real Valladolid host Barcelona. Pucela have found the worst time to be on the longest losing streak in the league, but they do have direct rivals to play in the final two games, so hope remains.
So a manic midweek is in prospect. Lots could be settled by the end of Thursday, or it could still be all to play for. In this longest of long seasons, there is still a lot of road ahead.