La Liga has a lot to live up to this weekend, after a seismic midweek of Copa del Rey action in which all four favourites were eliminated. While Valencia, Villarreal and even Real Madrid can move on to other priorities, for Barcelona the cup exit just added to the sense of gloom and doom. Quique Setien may claim to be very happy, but the team is barely playing at any level above Ernesto Valverde’s standards and there is all sorts of disharmony behind the scenes. And now comes a trip to Betis, where Setien won the plaudits for getting his team to play in a style that was a big factor in him getting the Barca job. Imagine if Setien's Barca lost to a Betis team managed by his successor Rubi — who coincidentally, is under no less pressure himself for an underwhelming season at the Benito Villamarin.
There’s also the Basque derby this weekend, with both teams basking in the glory of their cup heroics. It could be a dress rehearsal for the cup final, but can La Real still dream of an outside shot at Champions League qualification? Speaking of that race for the top four, Spain’s newest grudge match takes place at the Coliseum where third place Getafe host Valencia in fifth. The two sides played out some acrimonious games in league and cup last season, and with the stakes just as high, I am expecting the same kind of intensity again. Time for my picks.
Round 23 Picks
Alaves 0 Eibar 0
Levante 1 Leganes 1
Getafe 2 Valencia 0
Valladolid 1 Villarreal 2
Atletico 1 Granada 1
Espanyol 2 Mallorca 0
La Real 2 Athletic 0
Osasuna 1 Real 2
Celta 1 Sevilla 1
Betis 1 Barca 1
Season Score - 19/40