The race to stay up in LaLiga: points needed to dodge relegation
As the final stretch of LaLiga Santander unfolds, several clubs are calculating precisely how many points will secure their place in the top flight for another season. With so much at stake, clubs are looking for the exact threshold that guarantees safety and avoids a drop to the second division. The number of points required can vary from year to year, influenced by late-season form, head-to-head results, and the strength of competitors in the fight against relegation.
To gauge what it takes to stay up, many observers turn to historical benchmarks. It is often said that reaching or approaching the 40–42 point range provides a comfortable margin for salvation. Yet past seasons show a more nuanced picture. For instance, in the 2020–2021 campaign, Elche managed to survive with 36 points, while in the 2019–2020 season Celta Vigo secured safety with 37 points. Those figures demonstrate that the official safety line is not a fixed target but a moving one shaped by the specific dynamics of the season in question.
| post | Team | pjs | GP | PE | PP | DG | PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Elche | 36 | 10 | 9 | 17 | -13 | 39 |
| 15 | Getafe | 36 | 8 | 14 | 14 | -6 | 38 |
| 16 | Granada CF | 36 | 8 | 13 | 15 | -15 | 37 |
| 17 | Cadiz | 36 | 7 | 14 | 15 | -17 | 35 |
| 18 | Mallorca | 36 | 8 | 9 | 19 | -30 | 33 |
| 19 | Alavés | 36 | 8 | 7 | 21 | -31 | 31 |
| 20 | Leganés | 36 | 6 | 8 | 22 | -29 | 29 |
The table above offers a snapshot of the standings as the stretch run began, with each row representing a club’s status after 36 matches. It highlights how a handful of points can tilt the balance between survival and relegation, underscoring the pressure teams face in the closing weeks of the season. Analysts emphasize that while the historical benchmarks provide helpful guidelines, the real-world outcome depends on current form, injuries, tactical decisions, and the performances of direct rivals in the relegation battle. Fans and pundits often crunch the numbers week by week, watching for shifts in momentum that could change the perceived safety threshold.
In practical terms, managers and sporting directors use this information to guide late-season strategies. They weigh the benefits of secure draws against the risks of attacking play when a single loss could compound the danger. The practical takeaway for teams hovering near the relegation line is to maximize point tallies in head-to-head fixtures and to convert chances in tight games, where a single goal can redefine the trajectory of the campaign. The importance of defense also tends to rise in these scenarios, as clean sheets can translate into precious points that could be the difference between another year in the top division and a harsh drop to the second tier.
Ultimately, the relegation battle in LaLiga is a microcosm of the broader competitive landscape: a blend of calculated risk, psychological resilience, and the ability to hold steady under pressure. While the exact number of points required to ensure safety cannot be pinned down with absolute certainty from year to year, the prevailing wisdom remains a useful compass for clubs preparing to close out the season. By focusing on steady results, exploiting favorable matchups, and maintaining solid defensive discipline, teams can position themselves to survive the crucible of the final rounds and preserve their status in Spain’s premier league.