La Liga Preview: Matchday 32
As the end of the La Liga season approaches, Barcelona look to have another title in the bag – having opened up an 11-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table. Whilst Real will inevitably be turning their attention to the Champions League, Barca will be eager to secure their first title since 2019 as quickly as possible.
Elsewhere, it is hotting up in the battle for the Golden Boot, the relegation scrap, and the race for a top 4 finish, with the ultimate allure of Champions League football still on the line for most teams.
La Liga Outright Winner
It has been a campaign to remember for Barcelona, who did flop in Europe but have ruled the roost domestically. This has the look of a significant trophy for manager Xavi and his young squad, and he will hope this is the start of a period of success at the Nou Camp.
A painful defeat to Girona in matchday 31 looks to have been the straw that has broken the camel’s back for Real Madrid this season. Inconsistency has blighted their campaign, but they must now hope they can produce the goods in the Champions League.
La Liga Top 4 Finish
Diego Simeone continues to get the most out of his fiery Atletico Madrid squad and they remain the 3rd best side in Spanish football. A top finish and a crack at some of the best sides in Europe next season, will be reward for their consistent efforts this term.
With a 7-point advantage on the chasing pack, Real Sociedad have enjoyed another excellent season in La Liga. Imanol Alguacil has done an excellent job at rejuvenating his squad and he will be eager to see them finish the season as strongly as possible.
Golden Boot Winner
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona – 1/7
In his debut season at the Nou Camp, Robert Lewandowski has been on the money once more, bagging 17 goals in 26 games. The Pole is a perennial Golden Boot winner and how he would love another one here.
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid – 9/2
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema hasn’t hit the heights of last season in La Liga, but the Frenchman remains instrumental to all that Real Madrid do. He’s only three goals behind Lewandowski and a few good games could see him firmly in the hunt.
Former Manchester City forward Enes Unal has taken a while to fully impact Spanish football, but he has been a revelation for Getafe this season. Catching the likes of Lewandowski and Benzema won’t be easy but the Turkish international has bagged 13 goals already this term.
Iago Aspas – Celta Vigo – 25/1
Celta Vigo have always carried a threat with Iago Aspas in their team and the former Liverpool striker has banged the goals in again this term. He has 12 so far this season and a strong finish to the year could force him into contention.
Team(s) to be relegated.
With Elche already relegated and having only won 2 games this season, there are only two relegation places available – with plenty of sides still scrapping for their lives.
Dropping into the second division has become a very real possibility for Espanyol, who currently sit 2 points adrift of safety. They do have time to recover though, and a couple of good results would see them climb the table.
Perennial yo-yo team Almeria currently sit outside of the drop zone on goal difference, and they too will be looking to find some consistency. One win in their last 5 games will be a cause of concern for them too.
How a side with the history and resources of Valencia finds itself in relegation trouble is a mystery but they have been struggling throughout the campaign. A precious win against Elche last time out however has seen the outlook at the Mestalla improve somewhat.
