Spanish football’s top tier continues its suspense on all fronts: the fight to avoid relegation, the battle for a place. In Europe, the war for the title! If two rounds ago they failed to take advantage of their rivals Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw in El Derbi Madrileño, FC Barcelona increased their lead to nine points at the top of the table after their 1-0 at home to Valencia and Real’s surprising 0-0 draw away to Betis.
Meanwhile, Real and Barcelona met at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first leg of the Spanish Cup semi-finals. The Catalans won 1-0, a morale-boosting victory for Xavi’s side. Barcelona and Real are preparing the direct duel in La Liga, two rounds from now, a duel which, in case of a success, could see Barcelona as the future winners of the Spanish title.
This weekend, Barcelona will play away to Athletic Bilbao, 9th place in La Liga, one point from the last three rounds. Real Madrid will play 13th-placed Espanyol at home this round.
The draw with Real Madrid confirmed that Real Betis Sevilla can still fight for a Champions League place. Fifth-placed Betis, three points off the last Champions League berth, play sixth-placed Villarreal, a team on the rebound, away this round. Villarreal have two wins in the last two rounds and are not giving up on the Champions League either.
Under these circumstances, Villarreal – Betis looks to be the headliner of this weekend’s stage. In the first leg, Betis won 1-0. Betis has only one win in their last nine matches played at the Estadio de la Cerámica, 14 February 2021, a 2-1 scoreline.
Fourth place in La Liga, Real Sociedad has only picked up two points from their last three games and is at risk of losing their Champions League spot. The Basques play this round away to Mallorca, a side coming off two consecutive defeats, the last of which, at home to co-hosts Elche.
