Spanish league reaches finish with 6 teams in danger of relegation

MADRID: Six teams are vying to avoid relegation to the second division as the Spanish league reaches its finish. Cadiz, Getafe and Valencia each have 41 points, Almeria and Celta have 40, and Valladolid has 39 heading into the final round of games. Valladolid are currently in 18th place, the last spot that will tumble along with already demoted Espanyol and Elche.

But Valladolid have their fate in their hands because they host 14th-place Getafe on Sunday. A victory by the team owned by former Brazil great Ronaldo would be enough to secure salvation, but a draw could do the trick depending on other results. A draw by Getafe would be enough for the modest Madrid-based club to stay up.

Cadiz, in 14th place, will play at Elche needing only a draw to ensure they survive. Valencia, which eliminated Espanyol last weekend with a stoppage-time goal, need a draw from their trip to Real Betis, which have already secured a Europa League berth. A draw would also suffice Almeria at Espanyol.

Celta, which have entered a nosedive in recent weeks, host champion Barcelona needing a victory to control their fate. A draw would leave them depending on other results. Fortunately for Celta, Barcelona have nothing to play for.

Nearer to the top of the standings, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao are tied on points and both wanting to clinch the Conference League berth that goes with a seventh-place finish. Osasuna host Girona, while Bilbao are at Real Madrid. LAST GAMES Barcelona veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have won multiple titles between them, will play their last game for the club.