On June 11th Spanish topflight football returns to action following the Corona Virus pandemic.
The resumption also comes with the announcement that next season will begin on the 12th September subject to the current campaign being able to finish by the 18th/19th July.
So, with La Liga action just over a week away, who plays who in the return to action and what is riding on each match?
Sevilla v Real Betis
High-flying Sevilla host mid-table Real Betis in the first game back on Thursday 11th June. Sitting in third, Sevilla have everything to play for whilst Betis in 12th sit eight points above the drop zone and will likely be playing for scraps for the remainder of the season.
Celta Vigo v Villarreal
On Saturday 13th June Celta Vigo host Villarreal at the Balaídos. Survival is very much the name of the game for the home side as they sit just one point above the drop zone in 16th whilst the Yellow Submarine can smell a Europa League spot for next season.
Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid
Arguably the match of the ‘second season’ sees Diego Simone’s Atletico Madrid side travel to Bilbao to take on Gaizka Garitano’s charges.
The hosts are clinging onto an outside hope of snatching a European spot for next season in tenth whilst Atleti in sixth find themselves just a point outside the top four.
Granada v Getafe
Getafe has been the success story of the season so far and sit fifth in the table with the Champions League for next season very much the target. The season has been a success for Granada too who find themselves ninth in the table and all but assured of safety.
Valencia v Levante
The Bats of Valencia sit four points outside the top four and will fancy picking up on any mistake by those above them whilst Levante continue to keep their heads above water in 13th and eight points clear of the drop zone.
Leganes v Valladolid
Both sides are fighting for their lives although the situation for the hosts is dire as they find themselves three points from safety. A win over Valladolid is vital as the visitors themselves are only four points clear of the drop zone.
Mallorca v Barcelona
Table toppers Barcelona hold a two-point advantage over Real Madrid at the summit but will be wary of a Mallorca side on home soil battling to stay in the division currently in 18th.
Espanyol v Alaves
It seems Espanyol’s last chance of securing safety has gone with the announcement the season is resuming. The other club in the city of Barcelona are rock bottom and six points adrift of safety and the visit of 14th place Alaves may be their last chance of showing signs they can still play their way out of trouble.
Real Sociedad v Osasuna
Real Sociedad’s rise has continued into this season and the club find themselves on the cusp of Champions League football sitting in fourth. For Osasuna, the season has been a success with safety all but assured in 11th.
Real Madrid v Eibar
No more mistakes allowed for Zinedine Zidane’s men as 16th place Eibar come to town. A win is a must otherwise great rivals Barca could be handed a healthy lead at the top.
