La Liga Roundup, Matchday 32
The 32nd round of La Liga has concluded, featuring exciting matches, impressive player performances, and surprising outcomes. Here is a summary of the La Liga games from matchday 32.
Athletic Club 1-1 Granada
Athletic Club’s chances of finishing in the top four took a significant hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Granada, who are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak against them in LaLiga. The points were evenly split, leaving Athletic Club three points behind Atlético Madrid with one more game played. The upcoming match between the two teams on April 27 at Estadio Metropolitano is crucial for Athletic Club to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. On the other hand, Granada’s chances of avoiding relegation seemed slim before their match in Bilbao, but their performance demonstrated their determination to fight until the end.
Celta Vigo 4-1 Las Palmas
Celta Vigo boosted their chances of avoiding relegation with a convincing 4-1 win over Las Palmas at Estadio de Balaídos. They are now undefeated in their last three league matches at home. Las Palmas suffered another blow five minutes later when Douvikas assisted Aspas for a goal that effectively sealed the game. Celta Vigo now have a six-point cushion above the relegation zone, while Las Palmas’ fifth consecutive loss likely ends their hopes of qualifying for a UEFA competition for the first time since 1977/78. Las Palmas have not won a game since defeating Valencia in early February.
Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Osasuna
In the final 10 minutes of regular time, Rayo Vallecano scored two goals to come from behind and defeat Osasuna 2-1 at Vallecas. This victory extended Rayo’s unbeaten streak to four La Liga games and widened the gap from relegation. Osasuna seemed poised to secure a one-goal victory as they defended deep and maintained their shape under mounting pressure. However, Rayo staged a surprising comeback with two impressive long-range goals by Pep Chavarria and Palazón in the thrilling finale, leaving Osasuna’s hopes dashed.
Valencia 1-2 Real Betis
Real Betis, a team vying for UEFA Europa League qualification, secured just their fourth away win in La Liga this season with a 2-1 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla. This win allowed Betis to move ahead of Valencia in the league standings, positioning them well for a fourth consecutive UEFA competition under manager Manuel Pellegrini. On the other hand, Valencia’s first home defeat in La Liga since September has pushed them out of the European qualification spots.
Girona 4-1 Cadiz
Girona made history by securing European qualification for the first time after defeating Cádiz 4-1. This victory pushed Cádiz six points away from safety as they had not won an away league game in over a year. Portu scored the final goal of the match, sealing a memorable night at Montilivi. While Valencia’s earlier defeat had already made Girona’s qualification likely, this win officially confirmed their spot in Europe for the first time. Cádiz, on the other hand, now have only six matches left to try to avoid relegation and extend their four-season stay in the top division.
Getafe 1-1 Real Sociedad
Getafe ended up with a draw against Real Sociedad in a 1-1 match at Estadio Coliseum in today’s early La Liga game. Real Sociedad extended their unbeaten streak to five games with this result. The draw means Getafe’s hopes for a European spot are diminishing even more as they are eight points behind 7th place. On the other hand, Real Sociedad solidified their position in the top six by moving three points ahead of Real Betis, who are currently below them in the standings.
Almeria 1-2 Villarreal
Almería, who are currently at the bottom of La Liga, suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Villarreal, their second loss under new manager Pepe Mel. Villarreal managed to secure a late victory through Sørloth, extending their unbeaten away streak to six games. This win moves them up to ninth place, although they are now six points behind the European qualification spots with only six matches remaining. On the other hand, Almería is still seeking their first home win of the season and will be disappointed to have conceded a late goal in this match.
Alaves 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, suffered a surprising defeat to Deportivo Alavés, who secured a crucial 2-0 win to alleviate their relegation worries. This victory was only the second in 10 LaLiga matches for Luis García’s team. Despite showing signs of fatigue, Atlético Madrid failed to maintain pressure on their opponents’ goal in the latter stages of the game. However, Luis Rioja’s impressive volley from outside the box secured the win for Deportivo Alavés in a swift counterattack.
Real Madrid 3-2 Barcelona
Jude Bellingham once again came through for Real Madrid in stoppage time, securing a crucial victory over Barcelona in the La Liga El Clásico. This win extended Real Madrid’s lead at the top of the table to a commanding 11 points, making it difficult for their rivals to catch up. Despite Barcelona’s efforts to equalize, Bellingham capitalized on their defensive weaknesses to score the winning goal. This defeat ended Barcelona’s 10-match unbeaten streak and now they face an uphill battle to retain their La Liga title.
Sevilla 2-1 Mallorca
Sevilla secured their third straight LaLiga victory by defeating RCD Mallorca 2-1 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, alleviating concerns of relegation by extending their lead over the drop zone to 12 points. Despite a consolation goal from substitute Abdón Prats for Mallorca, denying Sevilla a third consecutive clean sheet, the win propelled the hosts to 12th place and out of danger. Meanwhile, Mallorca, who are only six points above the relegation zone, are still anxiously fighting to secure their spot in the top division.
