The clash between Villarreal CF and espanyol has been pending since their scheduled encounter on March 3, which was postponed due to severe rain warnings affecting the entire Valencian Community. Villarreal now has the chance to claim three points that would bring them within two points of Athletic Club, intensifying the battle for the coveted fourth spot that secures Champions League qualification.

A win at La Cerámica may give Espanyol a four-point lead over the relegation zone, which would make it much easier for them to keep from leaving the top tier.  Espanyol is playing well and is a major threat to Villarreal after their incredible victory over Real Madrid.

 Both teams quickly spoke with the Competitions Committee to decide on the best day to reschedule the game after it was postponed.  Villareal has made it apparent that April 27 is their preferred date for the match.

The only judge on the Competitions Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has the last say.  Villarreal made their official request for April 27 to José Alberto Peláez, the competition’s top judge, last week.  Espanyol, on the other hand, has proposed April 2 or 3 for the game.  A decision about the match date will be made by the federation’s magistrate unless both clubs can agree.

 The deadline for both clubs to turn in their requests was March 10.  After it is in Judge Peláez’s hands, a ruling is anticipated on March 11 or 12.

As it stands, the official date for the rearranged match remains uncertain, though it is highly likely to be either April 2, 3, or 27, unless the RFEF opts for a different course of action, which seems unlikely.