Who will win La Liga? Table, fixtures, odds and predictions as Spanish title race goes down to the wire
The applecart is rarely upset given Barcelona and Real Madrid’s stranglehold on La Liga, but for just the second time in 17 seasons there could be a different club winning the Spanish title.
Atletico Madrid defied the odds to lift their 10th league trophy back in 2013-14, and seven years later Diego Simeone’s side are in pole position to beat Real and Barcelona once more.
At one point in January, Atletico held a 10-point lead at the top, but with two rounds remaining they are now just two clear of Real and four above Barcelona in a fraught finale that has seen all three clubs squander chances to assume control of the title race.
A crucial weekend on 8-9 May saw Barcelona and Atletico play out a goalless draw on Saturday before Real could only draw 2-2 with fourth-placed Sevilla.
Heading into that weekend, Barcelona knew their fate was in their own hands, but the draw with Atleti and a 3-3 draw at Levante on Tuesday leaves Ronald Koeman’s side needing both Madrid clubs to slip-up.
If Atletico pick up four points and Real six, it would be the latter who win La Liga based on the head-to-head rule, which takes precedent over goal difference.
In the unlikely scenario Barcelona finish on the same points as the other team at the top, they would miss out to both Atletico and Real given they have an inferior head-to-head record with both clubs.
While Sevilla are currently fourth and just six points off top, their inferior head-to-head against Atletico means their slim hopes are now over despite a valiant effort.
Prediction: Advantage Atletico
Not only because of their two-point lead, but also because of their final two opponents – Atletico are, quite simply, the clear favourites. So it is time to see whether they can handle the pressure.
Atletico enjoyed a 3-1 win at Osasuna in October, and beat Vallodolid at home 2-0 in December, and they will know two more victories in the reverse fixtures this month will seal the title.
They could even confirm it with a game to spare, as victory over Osasuna, coupled with Real losing at Athletic Bilbao, would give Atletico an unassailable lead regardless of what Barca do against Celta Vigo.
How Atletico win could shake up Barcelona and Real
Typically the task for both Barcelona and Real in the league is to finish above the other and collect a winners’ medal at the end of the season.
That may not be the case this time around, and it would throw both clubs into a summer of even greater uncertainty given their European Super League involvement has already muddied the waters.
Both clubs have stuck to the ESL plans despite nine clubs withdrawing, and while Uefa consider a punishment, Barca and Real still do not know whether they will be allowed to play in next year’s Champions League.
Regardless, given both clubs fell short in the Champions League this season, and with La Liga slipping from their grasps, managerial changes could be in the offing.
Ronald Koeman was brought in last summer, but the Dutchman was deemed by some a temporary appointment with president Josep Maria Bartomeu on his way out.
New president Joan Laporta could keep faith with Koeman, but ESPN reported the pair held a meeting this week given they are on the verge of finishing third.
A lack of credible replacements could boost the former Everton manager’s prospects of staying, while Barcelona legend Xavi recently signed a new two-year extension at Qatari club Al-Sadd to delay his possible return to the Nou Camp.
Koeman at least has a Copa del Rey victory to boast of, but over in Madrid, Real are on the brink of ending the season trophyless.
This is a rarity for the defending league champions, it last happened in 2009-10, and an unwanted repeat 11 years on would cast the spotlight on Zinedine Zidane’s future.
“I’m not thinking about the future, I’m only thinking about the [remaining] games,” Zidane said earlier this week.
Marca reports it is looking increasingly likely the Frenchman will leave the club at the end of the season, even if they do end up beating Atletico to the title.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/33Gu5vM
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