The final standings are slowly taking shape with just three matches remaining in this season’s Spanish football championship. While some outcomes are clear, others will be determined in the dramatic closing rounds. Teams are focused on their own results and closely watch their rivals, knowing that a single result elsewhere could reshape the table. Fans have enjoyed a high level of play throughout the season, and anticipation is already building for what’s to come. For those following odds and match insights via Merkur XTip, the final weeks promise tension, excitement, and plenty of twists.
Barcelona Edging Closer to the Title
Any uncertainty over who would lift the La Liga trophy this year was practically erased in Matchday 35, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in a thrilling El Clásico. Real Madrid entered the match trailing by four points and knew a win would bring them within one and reignite the title race. Even a draw could have left them in contention, hoping Barcelona might slip up in the remaining matches. But the stakes were high, and a win was non-negotiable for Madrid as they visited Barcelona at the Montjuïc Stadium—currently their temporary home while Camp Nou undergoes renovations.
Madrid started strong despite missing key players due to injuries and facing growing speculation over manager Carlo Ancelotti’s future following their Champions League exit. Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in the 5th minute after drawing a foul, and followed up with another goal in the 14th, putting the visitors 2–0 ahead. It was a shocking opening for Barcelona, but this season’s side has been one of the most disciplined and cohesive squads in recent memory—a fact that has been reflected in betting trends.
Barcelona responded swiftly. Eric García scored in the 19th minute to reduce the deficit, and just over ten minutes later, Lamine Yamal equalized with a superb left-footed strike. In the 34th minute, Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead, then doubled it in the 45th minute to make it 4–2. Real Madrid struggled to create chances in the second half, and although Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, it wasn’t enough.
With the 4–3 victory, Barcelona extended their lead to seven points with three matches left. Now, barring a major collapse in the final stretch, they only need a single win to officially clinch the title.
Race for European Qualification Intensifies
In the battle for European spots, Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have secured third and fourth place, respectively, ensuring their participation in next season’s Champions League. The contest for fifth place, which also grants Champions League access this year, is heating up between Villarreal, currently on 61 points, and Real Betis, just three points behind.
Celta Vigo hold seventh place, qualifying for the Europa League with 49 points, while Rayo Vallecano currently occupy the final European spot—eighth place—leading into the Conference League with 47 points. However, the fight is far from over. Mallorca are level on points with Rayo and sit in ninth due to goal difference, while Osasuna, with 45 points, and Valencia, also on 45 but in excellent form, are lurking close behind. With such narrow margins, the remaining rounds promise plenty of action and potentially last-minute shifts in the standings.
Relegation Fight Still Wide Open
At the bottom of the table, Real Valladolid have already been relegated after managing only 16 points across 35 matches. While unfortunate for their fans, they’ve been outmatched throughout the season and have occasionally been a favorable pick for bettors, especially through Merkur XTip platforms.
Las Palmas are second-to-last with 32 points, just two behind Leganés in 18th. But the battle for survival is far from limited to those teams. Alavés (35 points), Girona and Sevilla (both on 38), along with Espanyol and Getafe (both with 39), are still in danger and need to perform in these last three matches to guarantee their top-flight status. With multiple teams separated by just a handful of points, the relegation battle could go down to the final whistle of Matchday 38.