After football games which briefly threatened to turn a procession into a title race, some majestic Messi magic has made Barcelona betting odds certs for the top prize once again.
However, sports betting fans still have plenty to focus on: the race to beat the drop, who can qualify for Europe, and to see if Barca can go an entire league season unbeaten.
WEEK 28 SATURDAY:
Girona vs Deportivo La Coruna
What a season La Liga debutants Girona have had.
Their 2-0 triumph at Villarreal last weekend was magnificent, and Pablo Machin’s side deserves every plaudit that comes their way.
The Catalans host strugglers Deportivo – whose 10 men battled gamely to draw with Eibar last week – on the cusp of a European place.
Eibar vs Real Madrid
Alongside Girona, Eibar have been the team of the season so far in the Spanish top flight.
They host reigning champions Real who are now in third and in good form.
Their Champions League victory over Paris St Germain silenced many of the critics, and, while that competition is their priority, Zinedine Zidane’s side mentally won’t have given up hope of leapfrogging city rivals Atletico into second spot.
Sevilla vs Valencia
Fifth versus fourth is the contest of the weekend.
As long as Valencia show the form they have during most of this campaign, they should hold off the challenge for fourth spot.
Defender Jose Luis Gaya and in-form goal-getter Santi Mina (five goals in his last eight league matches) will be missing the game against a Sevilla side who may have one eye on their Champions League trip to Manchester United three days later.
WEEK 28 SUNDAY:
Getafe vs Levante
It’s three out of four for the drop this season, and Levante are in the position the other three want to be!
Even though they conceded a late goal, their 1-1 draw with Espanyol kept them clear of the bottom three. They will target this match against midtable Getafe as one to get at least a point.
Can it be a new start for the club after the sacking of Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz?
Malaga vs Barcelona
Bottom entertain top and anything the hosts gain from this is realistically a bonus.
They need to embark on a run if they are to survive or they risk a return to the Segunda Division after a decade in the top flight.
Barcelona fans shouldn’t be surprised if Ernesto Valverde rests Gerard Pique (strain) alongside the already-injured Andres Iniesta (hamstring) ahead of a Champions League clash with Chelsea.
RCD Espanyol vs Real Sociedad
Leo Baptistao’s last-gasp goal at Levante may well have lifted Espanyol, but they were concerned with goalkeeper Diego Lopez after they saw him taken to hospital with a head injury in the same game.
Sociedad’s victory over Alaves in the Basque derby will certainly have lifted them as it moved the boys from the Estado Anoeta up to 12th place.
In truth, it’s hard to get too excited about a match which is the typical midtable fare with little to play for.
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo cannot be ruled out of securing a place in European football next term.
But it’s a big ask, especially if they slip further behind at second-placed Atletico.
Diego Simeone’s side know deep down the title may be beyond them but will be eager to finish above their Madrid rivals and go for Europa League glory.
The Rojiblancos may have skipper Diego Godin and goalkeeper Jan Oblak to come back, too.
WEEK 28 MONDAY:
Las Palmas vs Villarreal
The Yellow Submarine was sunk by Girona last weekend. Anything but a victory here may see them slip out of the top six and that all-important final European place.
The Canary Islanders are in the bottom three but are showing a spirit which suggests they could yet pull themselves to safety.
Erik Exposito may well keep his place after his debut goal.
Athletic Bilbao vs Leganes
Dare I say it: this is a perfect tie for Leganes to travel to Bilbao and win.
Only a point separates the sides, but Bilbao’s focus will likely be on their next match when they attempt to recover from a 3-1 deficit to Marseille in the Europa League.
Kuko Ziganda knows that competition offers their best opportunity of requalifying for European football next term.
WEEK 28 TUESDAY:
Alaves vs Real Betis
Since the turn of the year, Alaves have been marvellous.
They have been beaten four times, including by Real Madrid and Barcelona.
But their run of impressive results, during which they also defeated Sevilla and Villarreal, shows why they have surged up the table from the bottom three.
Betis will not relish this trip.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
