9 May 2011
Barcelona will surely claim a 21st Spanish league championship this midweek, as they need just a point from their away match against Levante on Wednesday evening to clinch top spot on the log.
In fact, the Catalans’ status as champions could be confirmed the day before they play: should second-placed Real Madrid fail to beat local rivals Getafe at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night, then Barca will mathematically secure the title without even kicking a ball.
Another twist in the Barca-Real battle to keep an eye on is the race for the top scorers’ award. Cristiano Ronaldo hammered four in Real’s 6-2 win over Sevilla at the weekend, taking his tally to 33 goals. Lionel Messi is just two behind on 31 goals, and the players’ personal duel will add some intrigue at the top of the table even if Barca wrap up the title.
Slightly further down the log, Villareal could secure fourth place and a qualifying position for next season’s UEFA Champions League if they beat bottom-of-the-log Almeria, while Valencia, who look secure in third place, are away to Espanyol.
Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla continue their tussle for the two UEFA Europa League qualifying places. Bilbao are away to relegation-threatened Deportivo La Coruna on Tuesday, Atletico play at the same time away to Racing Santander, and Sevilla are away to Osasuna on Wednesday.
Another key game as far as relegation is concerned sees Real Sociedad host Real Zaragoza. The two clubs are hovering just above the relegation zone and need a win to ensure they don’t have a fraught end to the season.
Spanish Primera Division, midweek fixtures:
Tuesday, 10 May
Deportivo La Coruna v Athletic Bilbao
Malaga v Sporting Gijon
Racing Santander v Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid v Getafe
Wednesday, 11 May
Almeria v Villareal
Real Sociedad v Real Zaragoza
Levante v Barcelona
Espanyol v Valencia
Hercules v Mallorca
Osasuna v Sevilla
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See the original article here:
Barca on brink of 21st title