MY ACCOUNT
Barcelona can celebrate their title triumph against Real Sociedad, after fans invaded the pitch following their decisive game at rivals Espanyol last time out.
Valencia face a mammoth task to maintain their recent relegation-defying form when they host Real Madrid. Los Blancos will want to avoid being leapfrogged by Atletico Madrid, who take on Osasuna.
Elsewhere, Sevilla and Real Betis clash in El Gran Derbi, with potential repercussions for both teams’ European hopes.
Seventh-placed Girona and fifth-placed Villarreal’s clash could further affect who finishes the season in a continental qualification spot.
Game of the weekend: Barcelona vs Real Sociedad (Saturday, 8pm)
Barcelona take to the field as LaLiga champions, after clinching the title with a 4-2 victory at Espanyol last weekend.
The Blaugrana boast an exceptional record against upcoming opponents Real Sociedad — going unbeaten in their last 13 league meetings (11 wins, two draws) and winning six in a row. They have also triumphed in their previous 24 home clashes in the competition.
Additionally, La Real boss Imanol Alguacil has presided over nine LaLiga meetings with the Catalans without winning a single one (one draw, eight defeats).
Barca forward Ousmane Dembele has been directly involved in four goals (three goals, one assist) in his last five encounters with Saturday’s opponents, so should be confident of adding to that tally.
Valencia vs Real Madrid (Sunday, 5.30pm)
Real Madrid will be keen to bounce back from what has been a chastening few days.
After watching rivals Barcelona claim the league title last Sunday, they were blitzed 4-0 by Manchester City in the Champions League in midweek — exiting the competition at the semi-final stage.
Their next opponents, Valencia, come into this weekend three points clear of the drop zone after a recent resurgence, though they are still far from safe.
After all, Los Che have lost each of their last four league meetings with Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Marco Asensio could be among the visiting players to do some damage, having posted a career-best 15 goal involvements in LaLiga this term (nine goals, six assists).
Sevilla vs Real Betis (Sunday, 8pm)
Sevilla spent the majority of their season in turmoil but they have done enough to move within one point of a Europa Conference League qualification spot, ahead of this gameweek.
Los Nervionenses may not need it, though, having overcome Serie A giants Juventus to reach the Europa League final for a fifth time in 10 years. Winning the competition for a record seventh time would see them qualify for the Champions League.
There will be plenty of motivation for their next LaLiga encounter regardless, given the Andalusian outfit play fierce local rivals Real Betis.
These derbies have been one-sided of late, however, with Sevilla going unbeaten in eight league clashes with Los Verdiblancos (six wins, two draws) and winning each of their last four home meetings in the competition.
Atletico Madrid vs Osasuna (Sunday, 3.15pm)
Atletico Madrid briefly leapfrogged Real Madrid into second place but a shock defeat to bottom side Elche last time out saw them immediately cede their spot.
Los Colchoneros will be eager to right that wrong by beating Osasuna, who they have secured victory against in each of their last nine league encounters.
Atleti’s Yannick Carrasco comes into this game in fine form, having registered four goals and three assists in his last 11 league appearances.
He may fancy his chances of scoring again when Osasuna visit the Estadio Metropolitano, having previously struck four times in LaLiga against the team from Pamplona.
Girona vs Villarreal (Saturday, 1pm)
Girona occupy seventh spot and a Europa Conference League qualification place going into this weekend but the chasing pack are breathing down their necks.
Ahead of Matchday 35, three teams (Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and Sevilla) are just one point behind them, while Rayo Vallecano are a mere two points away.
Their next opponents are fifth-placed Villarreal, who Girona manager Michel has failed to beat in any of his four LaLiga games against (two draws, two defeats).
Meanwhile, Villarreal boss Quique Setien has not lost any of his five LaLiga matches against Girona (four wins, one draw), having only managed a longer unbeaten run against Alaves (seven).
The weekend’s other games
Cadiz vs Real Valladolid (Friday, 8pm)
Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo (Saturday, 3.15pm)
Almeria vs Mallorca (Saturday, 5.30pm)
Getafe vs Elche (Saturday, 5.30pm)
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol (Sunday, 1pm)
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