La Liga Roundup: Late Season Drama and European Pushes in Spain

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Seville – Cadiz (1-1)

The whistle blew as a cautious Sevilla under Julen Lopetegui clung to a possible Champions League berth in their stadium, yet the goal to seal it remained elusive. En-Nesyri found the net early, only to witness Lucas Pérez level for Cadiz in the second half with a crisp finish. For Cadiz the point keeps them clear of relegation danger, while Sevilla’s fight for Europe lingers into the closing fixtures.

Alaves – Villarreal (2-1)

Alaves pressed on the rebound, turning tenacious efforts into a result at Mendizorroza. Goals from Guardado and a first-half strike sent the hosts ahead, with Chukwueze replying late for Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine must push hard in the final days if they want European football next season, otherwise their campaign could drift away from the continent’s stages.

Real Madrid – Espanyol (4-0)

Back at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid clinched the title with room to spare. The aim was simply to seal mathematically, and they did it against a defensively stubborn Espanyol. Rodrygo struck twice, with Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema, the leading scorer, finishing off the victory. The celebration reflected a season where the white jersey asserted control, even as the campaign wound down.

Valencia – Levante (1-1)

In the Valencia derby, the Red and Black found themselves chasing a notable swing in the scoreline. A man advantage for much of the match could not decisive enough to claim three points, as Gayá received his marching orders with about half an hour left. Duarte delivered a late equalizer for Levante, offering a glimmer of hope for their relegation-threatened squad, while Valencia had to settle for a draw that kept both teams’ mid-table narratives alive.

Athletic – Athletic (2-0)

In a rare double reference to Athletic Club, the Basque side demonstrated clear intent as they surged toward European football. A tactical miscue by an opponent opened the door, with Iñaki Williams converting a late penalty to seal the win. The result tightened the path for Marcelino’s side, who climbed closer to continental spots with renewed momentum.

Elche – Osasuna (1-1)

Two teams mid-table, both on a quiet horizon with Europe and relegation distances long enough to feel safe, shared the spoils. Budimir converted from the spot for Osasuna, and Perea Milla answered for Elche, balancing the scores. Each side remains several games from the danger and from European places, leaving the upcoming fixtures as the real determinant of their trajectories.

Granada – Celta (1-1)

Granada saved a point in a tense late phase as Iago Aspas nudged the ball forward for Celta, who pressed for a better finish in the closing stretch. Darwin Machís answered for Granada, clubing air into their fight to preserve top-flight status. The draw keeps both sides in a precarious position as the season draws to a close. [Source: La Liga match reports for context.]

Rayo Vallecano – Real Sociedad (1-1)

Radamel Falcao’s intervention helped Rayo secure a stalemate that nudged Real Sociedad away from a Champions League berth currently held by Atlético Madrid. Sorloth had initially given Imanol Alguacil’s men the lead, but the final score reflected a season where standings could swing in the last minutes. The home side remains outside the tight race for Europe, while Real Sociedad must decide whether they chase Champions League, settle for Europa League, or eye the Conference League as a fallback.

Barcelona – Mallorca (2-1)

Barcelona, guided by Xavi, are within striking distance of Champions League qualification after weathering a demanding campaign. A brace from Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secured three points against Mallorca, narrowing the gap to the teams above them. Barcelona sit eight points clear of Betis, while Mallorca face a stern fight to avoid relegation, having left Granada behind in the race for survival.

Getafe – Betis (0-0)

A goalless draw that keeps both sides in the chase for their respective aims. Getafe still need to confirm their league status, while Betis continues to push for a position in the European bracket, keeping tension high as the calendar nears its end.

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