Madrid: Three matches with significant implications in one of the closest battles to avoid relegation seen in La Liga in recent years will be played on Wednesday night.
With six rounds left this season, just four points separate Cadiz in 14th place with 35 points from second from bottom Getafe with 31 points, meaning that six teams are fighting to avoid two places.
Almeria will hope to take three points from Elche on Tuesday night, before Wednesday sees one of the tensest east-coast derbies in recent seasons as Valencia entertain Villarreal.
Valencia are currently 17th in the table, just two points above the drop-zone after their weekend defeat to Cadiz, while Villarreal are five behind Real Sociedad in fourth and still have hopes of qualifying for the Champions League (especially if Real Sociedad don’t beat Real Madrid on Tuesday).
Jose Luis Morales and Gerard Moreno are still sidelined for Villarreal, who will look for Nicolas Jackson’s pace in attack, while Valencia youngster Javi Guerra has given them hope of survival.
Cadiz have a difficult visit to play in-form Atletico Madrid, who have Antoine Griezmann in outstanding form, and anything other than a defeat would be a bonus for Sergio Gonzalez’s side.
Wednesday’s final game sees third from bottom Getafe at home to Celta Vigo, as Jose Bordalas returns to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Bordalas’ first game back at Getafe ended in defeat to Espanyol at the weekend and three points against their mid-table rivals are vital.
The 10 p.m. kick-off won’t help Getafe, with many fans having to get up early to work the following day.
On Thursday, Sevilla take on second from bottom Espanyol, while Valladolid travel to play Rayo Vallecano in two more vital games at the bottom. Meanwhile, Athletic Club Bilbao face Betis in a match that will have a big say on who plays in Europe next season.
