Four games to go to secure second place
La Liga is drawing to a close, and although the title has already been decided, Barça and Girona still have everything to play for. Because finishing second would also bag the last remaining slot in next season's Spanish Super Cup along with Real Madrid, Athletic Club and Mallorca, whose places in Saudi Arabia are already secure.
Following Girona's 4-2 win at Montilivi on Saturday, the red-and-whites have moved into pole position ion that particular chase. But just one point separates them from their fellow Catalans from the capital, and anything could happen in the four games that they have yet to play. Atlético Madrid are still in without a shout also as they are six points behind Barça and seven behind Girona, although it will be very difficult for Diego Simeone's team.
Four crunch fixtures in May
Monday 13: Real Sociedad (H)
Thursday 16: Almeria (A)
TBA: Rayo Vallecano (H)
TBA: Sevilla (A)
Barça host Real Sociedad next, a side that is still hot in the hunt for a European place. After that comes a visit to Almeria, who have already been mathematically relegated and are just playing for honour, although curiously their form has picked up now that their fate has been confirmed and the pressure is off.
Rayo are the last team to visit the Estadi Olimpic this season, a side that may well have done enough to officially avoid relegation by the time this game comes around. That would be good news for Barça, as it is not in their interest to be playing a team that is fighting for survival.
And things end with a trip to mid-table Sevilla, who most probably won't have anything but honour to play for in their last outing of the campaign.
Girona fixtures
Friday 10: Alavés (A)
Tuesday 14: Villarreal (H)
TBA: Valencia (A)
TBA: Granada (H)
All the while, Xavi and his men will be keeping a keen eye on things happening up the road in Girona. At least in the first two games, Barça will have the theoretical advantage of knowing what their rivals have done. In those games Girona face Alavés and Villarreal, two mid-table teams that at this stage of the proceedings have very few realistic expectations of claiming one of the European places.
Then they go to Valencia, who are also drifting out of contention for a continental berth. The chances are this will be another game for Girona against a team playing for nothing. And they end the competition at home to Granada, who unless they can mount a dramatic recovery, will probably already be consigned to second division football by the time that one is played.
Atlético fixtures
Sunday 12: Celta (H)
Wednesday 15: Getafe (A)
TBA: Osasuna (H)
TBA: Real Sociedad (A)
Atlético Madrid's chances of finishing second rely on Barça and Girona dropping points in two or more matches. Simeone's side have two tough away trip to contend with also in their remaining fixtures with games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez and the Reale Arena against Getafe and Real Sociedad.