Top Match Round-Up: Unexpected three-way title race heats up in Spain
It was only a few weeks ago that everyone thought Barcelona had wrapped up the title. They were supposed to be cantering down the home straight at this point, but instead they’re only clear of Atletico Madrid on head-to-head and a further point better off than Real Madrid. Their emphatic 8-0 win over Deportivo was one way of silencing the critics, but there is still much to do, starting this weekend.
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid – Saturday, 15:00 KO
Paco Jemez’s side still haven’t guaranteed safety this season and won’t roll over here, although they will need to stop conceding late goals if they want to beat the drop. Los Blancos are currently on the current longest winning streak in La Liga (8), and in Cristiano Ronaldo, they have the joint second top goalscorer in 2016 across Europe’s top five leagues (17), although he may actually miss this game with a minor groin problem. A win here would send them top, although possibly only momentarily with city rivals Atletico due to kick off several hours later.
Atletico Madrid vs Malaga – Saturday, 17:15 KO
Diego Simeone masterminded a win over Barcelona in the Champions League and now he needs them to slip up again for them to win their second league title in three years. Atletico have kept more clean sheets than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues (21) this season but came unstuck against Malaga earlier in the season. Javi Garcia’s side have arguably performed best against the top teams this season than any other club in Spain, although they are winless in four and have nothing to play for now this season.
Barcelona vs Sporting Gijon – Saturday, 19:30 KO
Luis Enrique’s men could start this match as low as third but will relieved to have put an end to their poor run of form last time out with an emphatic 8-0 over Deportivo in which Luis Suarez put an end to his mini rut by becoming the first player in La Liga in the 21st century to play a part in seven goals in one match (four goals, three assists). Barcelona had entered the match off the back of three straight defeats for the first time in 13 years but put an end to their funk just at the right time. They must now overcome a Sporting Gijon side that are fighting for their lives and only one point adrift of safety.
Levante vs Athletic Club – Sunday, 11:00 KO
The La Liga basement club have no choice but to win this match with only four games remaining to claw back five points on their rivals in a bid to survive. However, they are tasked with overcoming an Athletic club that have the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot in their sights. Villarreal’s recent woes has allowed Athletic back in the race and a win here would move them to within three points of the Yellow Submarines, albeit that may only be for a half a day. Ernesto Valverde have been grinding out results in their last five matches, only managing to score one goal in four of those. While Levante are bottom, they have actually won five of their last eight home matches and shouldn’t be underestimated by the away side.
