Spanish League Preview Week 30

Betis’ 1-5 win– with two more goals from Ruben Castro to take him to 15 so far this season -takes them level with Malaga in sixth, with Pellegrini’s side having to squeeze in a visit to Anoeta between their Champions League games against Borrusia Dortmund. A win for the Basques, who should have Carlos Vela back after injury would take them four points clear and with Malaga surely weary from Wednesday’s exertions – Will Real put some blue sky between themselves and the rest and confirm their place as Top Four contenders?

It was all smiles for Betis on Friday night, but alarm bells must have been ringing for Granada, who are just four points above the drop zone, with a run in that includes trips to the Vicente Calderon, Anoeta, El Prat and Mestalla One point below the Andalucians on 26 are Zaragoza, who travel to Deportivo (23 points) for a must win game for both teams, with Celta(24) looking to build on last week’s great result when they take on Rayo in Balaidos. So, is it going to be a five team fight to avoid the drop, or are the bottom three doomed?

Atletico Madrid have managed just one win in their last four and scored only three times and their President Enrique Cerezo virtually admitted the title race is over, insisting: “we are fighting for second place”, a spot currently held by Real Madrid – just a point ahead of their city neighbours, but still 13 behind Barça. Atletico are away to Getafe and Real at home to Levante this weekend and with league and Cup derbies coming up, the issue in Madrid seems to be who’s going to end up as the Spanish capital’s top side?