(Football news) There are now only four LaLiga Santander matchdays left, and there is still a lot up for grabs. Several clubs are now competing in the fiercely competitive race to earn a spot in the 2023–2024 UEFA competitions.

Fourth-placed Real Sociedad (62 points)

Real Sociedad is the group that presently holds the fourth and final Champions League spot, behind the top three teams FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético de Madrid. La Real has had a few opportunities in recent years to narrowly miss qualifying for the Champions League while being coached by Imanol Alguacil. 

The Basque side last competed in Europe’s premier league in 2013/14, so getting back there has become a goal for the club. They presently lead Villarreal CF by a comfortable margin thanks to recent strong performances from players like David Silva, Takefusa Kubo, and others.

Remaining fixtures: FC Barcelona (A), UD Almería (H), Atlético de Madrid (A), Sevilla FC (H)

Fifth-placed Villarreal CF (57 points)

Nobody at Villarreal CF has given up on winning the Champions League again. Villarreal CF frequently has strong finishes to seasons and maintains hope of competing in the Champions League, where they advanced to the semifinals in 2021–2022, despite the five-point deficit. Even if Quique Setién’s team doesn’t manage to overtake La Real for fourth, fifth place guarantees a spot in the Europa League group stages, which is still a victory for this club from a town of 50,000 inhabitants.

Remaining fixtures: Girona FC (A), Cádiz CF (H), Rayo Vallecano (A), Atlético de Madrid (H)

Sixth-placed Real Betis (55 points)

This season, Real Betis has a strong chance of becoming the first team to qualify for European football in three straight seasons. Currently in sixth position, Los Verdiblancos have secured a spot in the Europa League group stage. The team of Manuel Pellegrini has created a large lead with their recent victories over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano. In light of the fact that the squad lost their star player Nabil Fekir to a season-ending injury in February, that is a really outstanding accomplishment.

Remaining fixtures: Sevilla FC (A), Getafe CF (H), Girona FC (A), Valencia CF (H)

Seventh-placed Girona FC (48 points)

Due to Real Madrid’s victory in the 2018 Copa del Rey, who will automatically qualify for Europe based on their league standing, a seventh place finish in LaLiga Santander will result in an additional seat in the competition. The Conference League entry spot is presently held by Girona FC, and if they can keep it—the Catalan club has never before qualified for Europe—they will make history. Mchel’s team has been playing exciting football this season after gaining promotion in the LaLiga SmartBank playoffs last year, and they are presently the fourth-highest goal scorers in the division with 54 goals scored from 34 games.

Remaining fixtures: Villarreal CF (H), RC Celta (A), Real Betis (H), CA Osasuna (A)

Eighth-placed Athletic Club (47 points)

Athletic Club is no stranger to playing in Europe, but the Basques haven’t had to show their passports since 2018. Los Leones hope to requalify for Europe, and with Ernesto Valverde back in charge this season, they have a chance thanks to the explosive play of brothers Iaki and Nico Williams. Athletic Club, although now not being among the top seven, are only one point below Girona FC and don’t lack confidence.

Remaining fixtures: RC Celta (H), CA Osasuna (A), Elche CF (H), Real Madrid (A)

Ninth-placed CA Osasuna (47 points)

CA Osasuna defeated UD Almeria 3-1 on Matchday 34 to quickly bounce back from their Copa del Rey final heartbreak. They are now well in the running to earn a spot in Europe for the first time in fifteen years as a result. Pamplona is optimistic, especially because Athletic Club and Girona FC will both be visiting El Sadar. These two teams are still among of their main competitors.

Remaining fixtures: Atlético de Madrid (A), Athletic Club (H), Getafe CF (A), Girona FC (H)

Tenth-placed Sevilla FC (47 points)

The likelihood of finishing in the European spots was less of a concern to Sevilla FC a few weeks ago than the threat of relegation. Los Rojiblancos, however, have seen a big improvement in their performance under new coach José Luis Mendilibar, and they may place among the top seven teams.

Remaining fixtures: Real Betis (H), Elche CF (A), Real Madrid (H), Real Sociedad (A)

Eleventh-placed Rayo Vallecano (46 points)

Rayo Vallecano is another group that thinks it’s possible to qualify for the European stage. The capital city’s squad has travelled to Europe once before, for the UEFA Cup in 2000–2001, and they are hoping to return this year. The club has been motivated in recent weeks, as evidenced by their 2-1 triumph over FC Barcelona, thanks to the electrifying home environment at Vallecas. In a few months, Vallecas might be hosting teams from all around Europe if Isi Palazón and company can keep racking up three-point totals. 

Remaining fixtures: RCD Espanyol (H), Real Madrid (A), Villarreal CF (H), RCD Mallorca (A)

Also read: Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the Champions League semi final 2nd leg