Espanyol’s descent to the Second Division shapes a tense Sunday for six teams
LaLiga’s final weekend of the season features a dramatic double bill. On Sunday, Espanyol could seal their fate, while a suspenseful race unfolds to determine who secures a spot in the Conference League. The culmination comes with Espanyol and Elche possibly dropping to the Second Division, and the battle for the seventh Conference League berth reaching its own dramatic crescendo two and a half hours later.
Espanyol slides to the Second Division; Cádiz, Getafe, Valencia, Almería, Valladolid, and Celta fight to dodge the last-place relegation
As the standings stand, Cádiz (41 points), Getafe (41), Valencia (41), Almería (40), Celta (40), and Valladolid (39) occupy positions where a single twist could shove them into the relegation zone. The peculiar thing is that their fates are not entirely independent. A successful result for any of them could alter the entire table and save others—exemplifying a highly interconnected finish to the season. If one of these six teams can win, their escape becomes plausible even in a narrow margin.
Five decisive matches will shape the destiny of these clubs: Valladolid vs Getafe, Espanyol vs Almería, Celta vs Barcelona, Elche vs Cádiz, and Betis vs Valencia. With so many possible outcomes, calculators will be buzzing as fans chase unlikely triples or even quadruple draws. The real-picture scenarios for the six clubs involve a web of combinatorics that could produce multiple simultaneous changes in the table.
Cádiz descends, if…
The Cádiz side under Sergio González has one of the clearest paths to safety. A draw or win against Elche would likely seal another season in the top flight. A loss would require favorable results elsewhere, with wins for Valladolid, Almería, Celta, and Valencia, to keep Cádiz ahead on points. In that narrowly-scored scenario, Cádiz and Getafe could end level on 41 points, tipping the balance in favor of the azulones.
If Getafe is relegated…
For José Bordalás’ team, a draw at Jose Zorrilla could be enough to stay up, while sending Valladolid toward the drop. A loss would leave Getafe with few margin for error, especially if Celta’s result worsens their standing. In this tightly packed scenario, Getafe would depend on a cascade of outcomes, including Celta’s results and Espanyol’s performance against Almería, to determine final placement.
If Valencia falls…
Valencia faces a mirrored pressure. Rubén Baraja’s squad can secure safety with a win or draw at Villamarín. Cádiz, too, has a strong incentive to at least draw, especially if Elche is defeated, as their point total could hold firm. Two particular combinations would condemn Valencia: simultaneous wins for Celta, Elche, Almería, and Valladolid paired with Valencia’s own losses. If Almería draws with Espanyol instead of winning, the same end result could occur.
If Almería is relegated…
Almería’s outlook mirrors the broader anxiety. A win or draw could keep them in the top division for another season. A loss at Cornellà, combined with a Valladolid or Celta victory, could push them into the second tier. If both Vigo and Pucela secure wins, or if their matches end in draws, the relegation risk for Almería remains alive until the final whistle.
If Celta gets relegated…
Celta’s salvation hinges on a win at Balaídos against Barcelona. A loss would leave room for Valladolid to climb to second place, while a draw could still see Celta relegated if Espanyol defeats Almería. Should Celta draw and Espanyol triumph, relegation becomes a real possibility for the Galicians.
If Valladolid falls…
A loss to Getafe would push Valladolid toward the Second Division. A win would preserve them, and a draw would demand Espanyol beating Almería to keep the tie in their favor. A straight defeat for Celta against Barcelona would not be enough on its own to rescue Valladolid unless other results align in favor of the Castilians.