(Football news) There is still a lot to play for in the La Liga in terms of relegation and European spots but the champions are likely to be decided on Saturday, 30th April. Real Madrid have been on top of La Liga almost since the beginning and they are now just 1 point away from officially winning the title. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid on the other hand have only top 4 spots to play for. The Los Blancos could secure the title with 4 games left to play which will be an incredible achievement.
Real Madrid will host Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabéu in search of a title win. A draw or win against the 13th placed side will make Los Blancos official and 35 time La Liga winners. Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rest his big dogs with the Manchester City clash in mind. Nacho and Eder Militao are not even in the squad while Eden Hazard, David Alaba and Luka Jovic are injured. Gareth Bale has made himself unavailable due to an apparent back problem although there is no confirmation by the club. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu is likely to be celebratory but Espanyol will be looking to spoil the party, even if it is for the time being. Madrid's defence will be significantly weaker which is why former Castilla player Raul de Tomas will be very dangerous.
Atletico Madrid have a very tough fixture against Athletic Club at the San Mames. Stefan Savic is suspended for the game while Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar are yet to recover from their injuries. As for Bilbao, they will be without Asier Villalibre and Oihan Sancet but the team still has an outside chance of securing a European spot even though it will be very difficult. Atleti on the other hand are clinging on to their 4th position as the injuries to Felix and Lemar have come at the worst possible time for them. Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez have both been out of form and now will be a good time for them to step up.
After a very tough period, Barcelona will be looking for some sort of joy before this trophyless season ends. By the time they play it is likely that their arch rivals Real Madrid will already be champions. The Blaugrana will be playing at home against Mallorca. Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Sergino Dest and Nico Gonzalez remain unavailable due to injury while Carlos Braithwaite and Oscar Mingueza are out with Covid. Mallorca, who are in a relegation battle will definitely fancy their chances especially with the current scenarios of the Camp Nou crowd boycotting games. Barcelona could still fall out of the top 4 which will be disastrous after everything that has happened this season.
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