With only 10 matches left on the calendar, the Spanish La Liga is heating up as each team fights for opportunities to both enter the European jackpot and avoid the dreaded drop. What is interesting about the Spanish first division is that the point differential between European places and the relegation zone is only 13 points. What is even more bizarre is the poor play of the perennial arch rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona, only further complicating things making the final race to the title as uncertain as it’s even been. We will now preview Matchday 29 of the Spanish La Liga to give us a better idea of what might happen.

Mallorca vs Deportivo
Deportivo is on a high. After having dispatched Real Madrid at home last week in a battle of wills, the Superdepo team finds itself two points clear of relegation and needing to win to keep itself clear of the drop. Meanwhile, Mallorca who are mixed in the mud that is the mid table zone of La Liga find themselves needing the same two points. It should be an all out battle for permanency in the first division.
Edge: Deportivo

Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid
This could easily prove to be the match of the weekend in Spain. Sevilla who has found its better form moves into Europe and fights Atletico for the final Champions League spot. A slip by either one and Europe might just be out of reach.
Edge: Sevilla

Levante vs Villareal
Do not be fooled by Levante's rather hopeless position in the table as dead last. They can be a difficult team to break down especially at home.Villareal should be careful and not get over confident. They too play for a lot, perhaps a second place finish late in the season.
Edge: Villareal

Zaragoza vs Almeria
Zaragoza was a side that was destined for a European spot at the beginning of the season, but now find themselves with the same number of points as relegation zone frontiersmen Recreativo; a loss could be fatal for Los Maños. Almeria, a newly promoted team, look solid to stay in the first division as they are on a nice streak.
Edge: Draw

Barcelona vs Valladolid
Barcelona is playing at Camp Nou; seven points behind the league leaders and needing a win. Coming from a Spanish Cup disappointment against Valencia, the Blaugrana need to redeem themselves, especially after losing their last home game to Villareal. A must win for Barcelona, who with a loss and a Villareal wi,n would lose their second place position in La Liga.
Edge: Barcelona

Osasuna vs Betis
Osasuna is two points from the drop and Betis needs to win if they too plan to remain in the first division. A win is needed by both sides.
Edge: Osasuna

Racing vs Recreativo
A marvelous Racing side who has shocked the first division is facing the possibility of stealing one of the UEFA cup spots. To do this they must beat a desperate Recreativo side who must win to stay alive and come out of the relegation zone.
Edge: Racing

Murcia vs Espanyol
Murcia holds the worst offensive record in La Liga and that does not prefigure well against a powerful but somewhat inconsistent Espanyol team. Raul Tamudo plans to be back in a big way.
Edge: Espanyol

Real Madrid vs Valencia
One of the big rivalries of European football has downsized considerably over the past year thanks to sloppy play by both. Valencia who is closer to the relegation zone than to Europe needs to win to salvage the season. Madrid, 7 points clear of Barcelona, has not played well and could very well find its lead shrinking unless they can win, and win convincingly. Madrid must win this one despite Valencia coming of a nice Spanish Cup win against Barcelona.
Edge: Real Madrid

Athletic vs Getafe
Getafe is red hot at this point in time. Having just qualified for the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup, in which they will face Bayern Munich, and also securing a spot in the Spanish Cup final, Laudrup's side is poised to make a run for the European spots. Athletic must fight for permanency in La Liga, especially since they have never been dropped from the first division.
Edge: Draw


Article written by our writer, PDR.