We are into the final two games of the 2023-24 La Liga season, which will keep fans glued to their seats when it comes to looking at those who qualify for European competitions and those clubs that will get the drop.
By this point, the four spots in next year's Champions League have been awarded. The main thing to sort out at the top of the table is who will get to play in next year's Super Cup, with Barcelona having the upper hand right now over Girona. If the red and white side fails to win this week, then the Blaugrana side will secure their spot in that competition.
The race for the other European spots is led by Real Sociedad, who inherited the spot thanks to Athletic's Copa del Rey win. Now, the Txuri-Urdin and Real Betis are going toe-to-toe to finish in sixth place, with Villarreal still holding a bit of hope in that race, although they need a perfect finish and their rivals losing both their games.
When it comes to the relegation battle, things at the bottom seem to be nearing its end, with Cádiz still trying to catch up with Mallorca and Celta, those closest to Los Gaditanos. With that in mind, this weekend's fixtures could be crucial to determine the team that gets to join the already relegated Granada and Almería.
Let us guide you through the upcoming weekend in La Liga.
Broadcast and streaming info for La Liga in the United States
This week's games will be available both on TV and via streaming platforms for fans to watch within the U.S. borders. This week, ESPN Deportes will carry two matches: Alavés vs Getafe and Barcelona vs Rayo. The rest of the lot will be streamed by ESPN+. For more options to watch La Liga in other countries, click here.
League standings ahead of Matchday 37
[TABLE 8]
Top games to watch
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano - The Blaugrana are only one win away from securing their spot in the Spanish Super Cup, but they will need to overcome a big hurdle when they face Rayo Vallecano. The team from the outskirts of Madrid is almost saved from relegation, but a point here would not hurt their chances and would also see them reach the end of the season on a high note. The previous match between these teams ended in a one-all draw, which may be a hint of how things could unfold on Sunday.
[MATCH 4678638]
Atlético Madrid vs Osasuna - Simeone's men have won four in a row, which has boosted their options of a top 3 finish. Los Colchoneros welcome Osasuna this weekend, knowing that a win here could see them leapfrog Girona, who will be playing at the same time. The away side has escaped relegation this season, which will help them get to this game with almost no worries other than putting up a good show. Atlético have won eleven in a row against Osasuna across all comps, which means that any other result should be considered as a massive surprise.
[MATCH 4678637]
Valencia vs Girona - Los Naranjeros have a very slim chance of reaching European comps next season, but they will need to win both of their games to stand a chance. Their first one will come against Girona, the surprising title contenders that saw their chances fading away in the final stretch, but with enough firepower to try and claim one more win here to keep their options of a top 2 finish alive. The last two games between these teams have ended in wins for Girona, which would make another victory for Michel's men not that far-fetched.
[MATCH 4678644]
La Liga - Full list of games to watch on May 18-19, 2024
[SCHEDULES competition 8 2024-05-17 2024-05-20]
For more information, kick-off times, stats, and standings, visit our bespoke La Liga website.