Week 34 in review

Friday night saw the latest round of fixtures begin with a game that had significance at both ends of the table. Getafe, currently in a precarious position and heavily involved in a battle to avoid relegation, hosted Athletic Bilbao, who themselves were looking for points to propel their push for European qualification. In the end, nothing could separate the pair, with a 1-1 draw the final outcome, the visitors taking the lead before Getafe struck back in the second half. The point was enough to see Bilbao leapfrog Real Sociedad into 6th spot on the evening, while Getafe remain one point outside the drop zone, albeit the same position they previously occupied courtesy of a superior goal difference.

Barcelona were in fine form in the early game on Saturday afternoon, as they swept aside visitors Real Betis 4-2 at the Camp Nou, a result which sees them secure qualification for the Champions League next season. An own goal from former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra after just 4 minutes gave the hosts the perfect start, and although Bartra made amends later in the game, a double from Ousmane Dembélé and the 15th league goal of the season from Antoine Griezmann ensured all 3 points for the home side, who as a result have now ensured their presence in the premier European competition for the 18th consecutive season.

Valladolid, currently 14th in the table, registered a 1-0 win against 11th placed Osasuna as they looked to ensure they are now all but safe from relegation, a solitary first half strike the difference between the two sides who were separated by just 5 points coming into the game. The same scoreline was in evidence as Granada put some space between themselves and the losing Osasuna, who sat just below them in the table, Celta Vigo the losers who are currently 6 points outside the relegation places with 4 games left to play.

The final game of the evening was again decided by a single goal, this time the away side benefiting as Alavés overcame Real Sociedad 1-0 at the Anoeta, a result which dents the Basque sides hopes for European qualification this year.

Unsurprisingly, all eyes on Sunday were on events at both the Mestalla and the Bernabéu with both the title favourites at home, but the day’s action got underway with an impressive 3-0 win for Sevilla, which all but condemns Eibar to relegation, the side still stuck at the foot of the table on just 20 points. Cadiz look set to be joining them in the Segunda next season, as they also fell by the same scoreline, at home against Levante, the result seeing the Valencian club pull 4 points away from the drop zone as a result, experienced striker Roger Martí grabbing 2 more goals for Levante as he moved into double figures for the season.

With Valencia in action half an hour before current champions Real Madrid, the league leaders already found themselves 2-0 up before Los Merengues kicked off, eventually winning 4-0 against Elche. On loan Valencia striker Manu Vallejo looked to have his own impact in the title race, as he gave current club Villarreal a shock 1-0 lead at the Bernabéu, but a double from Isco ensured Real Madrid remain just 4 points behind Valencia with 12 points left to play for, including the two sides set to meet in Madrid next weekend in what is shaping up to be a potential title decider. The final game of the weekend saw visitors Atlético Madrid deliver another blow to the survival hopes of Huesca, as they cruised to a 4-1 win to keep their own European aspirations alive, although with the Champions League final still to come they could yet be there on merit.