Football games in Spain ease back after the international break.
A break in which the national side boosted morale with a victory in France and in which a number of La Liga players did their cause no harm at all.
Back to the bread and butter now then of Spanish sports betting with still a glimmer of hope for both the title chasers and two of the bottom three, even if betting odds largely suggest otherwise.
WEEK 29 SATURDAY:
Espanyol vs Real Betis
This is one of the matches which the final third of a season can throw up.
Two teams with little to play for and both very comfortable in the table.
The hosts know victory will keep alive their outside hopes of European qualification.
Villarreal vs Eibar
For a side with the destiny of fifth spot in their own hands, the Yellow Submarine could have done without defeat at Las Palmas.
It makes life tougher, especially with Eibar one of three sides breathing down their necks.
A good time, maybe, for winger Samu Castillejo to show more of the form which has seen him reportedly linked with a summer move to Napoli.
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao
With Osasuna all but down, could they now relax and actually perform better than they have managed for most of the campaign?
One league win all season suggests not.
Bilbao want European football regularly and showed they can live with their best by scaring Real Madrid at San Mames.
WEEK 29 SUNDAY:
Real Sociedad vs Leganes
Another side with genuine European hopes, Sociedad are in sixth spot.
Yet their Basque neighbours are chasing them hard, indeed Alaves won the derby before the international break.
Sociedad arguably boast one of the best academies in Spain well and continue to make their mark at this level.
Malaga vs Atletico Madrid
With Antoine Griezmann arguably in the form of his life, Atletico fans dream of Champions League glory.
They can also now hope for third spot in La Liga after seeing off Sevilla in their last match.
That win moved them to within two points of their opponents and an automatic place in next season’s Champions League.
Sevilla vs Sporting Gijon
Sevilla know more than anyone that the heat is now on.
A miserable week was compounded by their 3-1 defeat to Atletico, days after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Leicester City.
With their title hopes now also over, they need to get back on the pace against lowly Sporting – who won last time out – and end their longest run without a victory since Jorge Sampoli took over last summer.
Real Madrid vs Alaves
Whatever happens over the next two months it has been a super season for Alaves, chasing an unlikely European berth and through to the final of the Copa del Rey.
Midfielder Victor Camarasa has called for his team to give 100 per cent in the Bernabeu and they will enjoy the occasion.
But Real, boosted by Barcelona’s defeat three weeks ago, have a spring in their step in the title race once again with Cristiano Ronaldo on fire as they embark on a double header against newly promoted clubs.
WEEK 29 MONDAY:
Valencia vs Deportivo La Coruna
Valencia gave Barcelona a fright a fortnight ago.
Deportivo must have been frustrated beyond belief, slipping to a 1-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo a week after seeing off the Catalans.
Two clubs who remember better times in the not-too-distant past and want back in Europe – but it won’t be next season.
Granada vs Barcelona
How Granada react to their defeat to relegation rivals Sporting could shape the rest of their season.
A heavy defeat in this one would no doubt demoralise them beyond the point of return.
Barcelona have a Champions League quarter-final on their minds, not to mention Gerard Pique’s comments about the ‘values’ of Real Madrid and the national team ban given to Lionel Messi – time to close ranks and show what their made of?
WEEK 29 TUESDAY:
Celta Vigo vs Las Palmas
The proverbial mid-table clash and both teams have reasons to be pleased.
Las Palmas’ progress has been consistent and they have consolidated well in only their second term back in the top flight.
While Vigo would hope to be better placed in the table, they are genuine contenders for the Europa League as they prepare for the quarter-finals.
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