La Liga goes head first into the battle for Champions League qualification this weekend as the teams from third to eighth are in action against each other. First up on Saturday, Real Sociedad welcome Valencia with the hosts just a point behind the visitors, who in turn are just two points off Atletico in fourth. Albert Celades’ men had a humbling experience in Milan against Atalanta in the Champions League and the way they’ve been blown off the park in their last two tough away games doesn’t augur well for a trip to San Sebastian, where the hosts got a much needed break when their fixture at Eibar was postponed last weekend. Then Spain’s big success story — Getafe, host Sevilla. Considering how Getafe dominated Valencia and Ajax in their last two games at the Coliseum, the odds don’t look good for Julien Lopetegui’s men, who suddenly aren’t even creating the chances they were earlier in the season. Finally, Atletico Madrid host Villarreal, with only two points separating the sides. The Rojiblancos spirit must be soaring after an excellent victory over Liverpool, but the Yellow Submarines are no pushovers and they’ve frequently managed to get good results against Atletico, even on the road. It may not be a decisive weekend, but with the protagonists playing each other, the stakes are certainly high. Time for my picks.
Betis 2 Mallorca 0
Celta 2 Leganes 0
Barca 2 Eibar 0
La Real 3 Valencia 1
Levante 1 Real 2
Osasuna 1 Granada 1
Alaves 1 Athletic 0
Valladolid 1 Espanyol 1
Getafe 3 Sevilla 0
Atletico 1 Villarreal 1
Season Score - 27/59