The Season of LaLiga finally reached its conclusion, after an exciting weekend filled with great match-ups for the fans to enjoy one last weekend before a well-deserved break for the players.
Barcelona got a hold of the lead since the midseason and never let go, fishing ten points ahead of Real Madrid even after losing many points in the last weeks.
Real Sociedad did seal the deal, as, after 10 years, they finally scored a place in the UEFA Champions League once again, by achieving fourth place in LaLiga.
The big losers of the weekend were Valladolid. The Violetas finished the season without defeat in the last three matchdays, but it was not enough. Now they’ll play next season in the Liga Adelante.
For Now, Let us break down what took place in this last weekend of matches.
LaLiga Matchday 38 – Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao – Betting Favorites
When:
Sunday, June 04th – 12:30 pm ET at the Santiago Bernabéu
Moneyline odds:
Real Madrid -111
Athletic Bilbao +280
Draw:
+285
Where Can I Watch?
On a night when most would have been expecting something more akin to a testimonial-styled match, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao put on an intense but tidy demonstration of how to play counter-attacking football.
Indeed, it was the visiting Basques who were rewarded early in the 2nd half when Sancet – a problem for Madrid all night – controlled a lovely pass from the right side in the box.
His initial shot was not successful, but the midfielder made no mistake with the second, such that Courtois could only watch helplessly as it flew into the roof of his net.
Yet, this game will likely be remembered for one single thing, and that’s the fact that it was Karim Benzema’s final game for the club to which he has given so much.
Fittingly, the 35-year-old was given the task of equalizing for Madrid from the penalty spot after a foul on Militao in Bilbao’s area.
As expected he converted, and the entire stadium rose to its feet to pay homage to their star. Even some Bilbao players applauded the Frenchman.
As we look forward, to the coming campaign, the immediate question that comes to mind is how will Real Madrid replace the French man, as well as the other key positions in which the starters are beginning to show signs of age.
LaLiga Matchday 38 – Real Sociedad vs. Sevilla – Betting Favorites
When:
Sunday, June 04th – 06:30 PM ET at the Reale Arena
Moneyline odds:
Real Sociedad -144
Sevilla +380
Draw:
+300
Where Can I Watch?
Real Sociedad secured a 2-1 victory over Sevilla, and thanks to that, La Real are now unbeaten in 10 games at home, finishing in fourth place. They will be playing UEFA Champions League football next season.
The Nervionenses would have been forgiven for starting slowly following their UEFA Europa League triumph in midweek, and Sociedad took advantage, applying early pressure and attacking with intent.
Alexander Sorloth had a great opportunity to open the scoring inside 10 minutes, but following a scramble in the box, the Norwegian blasted over from just a few yards out.
Sociedad continued to apply all of the pressure though, and it paid dividends during the match, as they were not only able to win but able to do it without feeling too much of a threat from their opponents.
LaLiga Matchday 38 – Celta vs. Barcelona – Betting Favorites
When:
Sunday, June 4th – 03:00 pm ET at BalaÃdos
Moneyline odds:
Celta +161
Barcelona +156
Draw:
+260
Where Can I Watch?
A dramatic final day in the La Liga relegation battle saw Celta Vigo ensure another season of top-flight football with a win over champions Barcelona.
Gabri Veiga scored twice for the home side, and although Ansu Fati pulled one back for Barca late on, they held on to the vital three points for safety.
Knowing only a victory would guarantee to stay up, the hosts largely dominated the chances in the first half, although their collective hearts skipped a beat when Franck Kessie put the ball in the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a tight offside.
After Barcelona tied the game, the Hosts managed to score once again and take the lead, and with that, Celta already had enough of a lead to pick up the points they needed for survival.