Barcelona: Champions
After a week where Villareal came back on Barcelona to draw level at the death of last week’s proceedings, the Yellow Submarine did it again to an overmatched Real Madrid squad that had clearly dislodged themselves from the battle. Second place assured, some players (Cannavaro) already under contract to other clubs and practically half the squad unsure of their place in next year’s Real Madrid, the merengues looked pretty much beaten before even entering the stadium. Not that Villareal weren’t competitive, they were great actually, returning to early season form.
Atletico Madrid however are the in form team in Spain beating Valencia 1-0 at home. Forlan scores again with a 29th minute penalty to bring them ahead of Valencia for the fourth and final Champions League spot. While the top two are secured, Sevilla are only 2 points ahead of los colchoneros after drawing with Osasuna 0-0. If Sevilla lose third place, coach Manolo Jimenez looks to be the next on the chopping block despite the fact that a Champions League berth is almost secured.
At the bottom, it is looking almost certain that with two games left to play el Decano, Recreativo Huelva, the oldest club in Spain will certainly be relegated to the Segunda. They have matches left against Racing and fellow candidate for the drop Sporting de Gijon who are playing also playing Real Valladolid next week. Numancia have Getafe and Sevilla left to play while Osasuna, who are safe by the skin of their teeth for now, have Real Madrid and Barcelona to round out their schedule. The big boys will be vetting their cantera, resting much of the first team, but either club will still have more than enough talent against los rojillos.
My picks? Recreativo, Numancia and Osasuna descend. Ascending from the segunda? Deportivo Xerez are comfortably in the lead and have secured promotion. Remember Jozy Altidore is on loan there from Villareal. With one match left to be played, Tenerife and Real Zaragoza are trying to hold off Hercules of Alicante and Rayo Vallecano of Madrid for the final two slots. While I would like to see Rayo back in the Primera, it looks more than likely that the top three in place will ascend.
