Meet the 6 Teams That Could Wave Goodbye To La Liga On Saturday
Real Mallorca—In 13th Position
They went a big step behind in their mission to avoid relegation as they lost 3-1 last weekend to Almeria. Almeria, remember, have only pride to play for just as Hercules. Real Mallorca are now in a tight situation with 44 points like Real Sociedad and Osasuna. On Saturday, they have a tough game against Atletico Madrid.
This fixture actually has so much at stake with Atletico aiming for an UEFA Europa League spot. Ahead of match-day 38, Real Madrid’s local rivals count 55 points like Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao who occupy the fifth and sixth spot respectively. Interestingly, a point could be good enough for both Mallorca and Atletico to achieve their respective targets.
Real Sociedad—In 14th Position
It’s not easy to bounce back after a defeat but this is something Real Sociedad will definitely have to do if they want to make sure of staying alive in Spain’s La Liga. Last Saturday, Sociedad suffered a 3-1 beating away to Sevilla. Can they defeat sixteenth-placed Getafe on match-day 38?
Osasuna—In 15th Position
Will Osasuna benefit from a bit of favour from fourth-placed Villarreal—who have no chance of dropping into the UEFA Europa League zone just as much as they have no chance of snatching automatic UEFA Champions League tickets? Well, it’s there for the public to see.
Osasuna just lost 2-0 to relegation fighters Getafe so the players may have to do something extraordinary to defeat Villarreal. Oh, well! Osasuna may have it easy; that is, if other results go their way.
Getafe—In 16th Position
They may be below the teams mentioned above, but they might be better positioned to confirm their safety in La Liga. Getafe will meet wounded Real Sociedad this weekend in a match that could be seen as a final for both participants.
Deportivo La Coruna—In 17th Position
Deportivo La Coruna can feel the heat of the relegation zone, being just a point above Real Zaragoza. How things change! All the way back in the year 2000, Depor were crowned La Liga champions.
In 2004, they were congratulated for reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Today, they are being urged by their fans to avoid relegation and a battle against Los Che of Valencia is certainly not ideal in terms of difficulty!
“In the streets, the feeling is going to be Deportivo’s biggest encounter since I arrived here,” said defender Pablo according to Marca.
“The one when we won La Liga [in 2000] was a big one too. But in the last few weeks, our supporters have been coming to training. They’ve been stressing to us that this [match against Valencia] is the most important one.
“I can't imagine Deportivo in the Segunda Division. Of course, it could happen. But that thought had never passed through my head and I’m confident that we’ll beat Valencia.”
Real Zaragoza—In 18th Position
In a typical speech while talking to Marca, Coach Javier Aguirre stated:
“The players have responded to my ideas and we believe in our chances. The players understand the situation and they know that they are playing for their lives.
“They know it wouldn't be good to get relegated. We’ve got 90 minutes to play for our future.”
In short, Real Zaragoza will be sure about remaining in La Liga once they claim victory this weekend—even though they are currently 17th in the standings. Luckily for Real Zaragoza, the fixture between Getafe and Sociedad has offered them the mathematical chance to take matters in their own hands.
Relevant Fixtures Associated To La Liga’s Final Relegation Battles
May 21, 2011: Deportivo La Coruña vs Valencia
May 21, 2011: Levante vs Real Zaragoza
May 21, 2011: Mallorca vs Atlético Madrid
May 21, 2011: Osasuna vs Villarreal
May 21, 2011: Real Sociedad vs Getafe
12
Levante
37
12
9
16
40
50
-10
45
13
Mallorca
37
12
8
17
38
52
-14
44
14
Real Sociedad
37
14
2
21
48
65
-17
44
15
Osasuna
37
12
8
17
44
46
-2
44
16
Getafe
37
12
7
18
48
59
-11
43
17
Deportivo La Coruna
37
10
13
14
31
45
-14
43
18
Real Zaragoza
37
11
9
17
38
52
-14
42
19
Hercules
37
9
7
21
36
60
-24
34
20
Almeria
37
6
12
19
35
62
-27
30
Get info about these fixtures on Live Soccer TV! Get up to date score lines, video highlights and more...
