Football fans around the world have had Matchday 35 of this LALIGA season marked in their calendars for months, with this matchday throwing up the second ELCLASICO of the league campaign and the fourth overall in 2024/25. This weekend of Spanish football action isn’t just about the clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, as there are several other games of vital importance, especially with just four rounds remaining.
The first of this weekend’s matches comes on Friday night in the Canary Islands, where UD Las Palmas host Rayo Vallecano. Currently, the islanders occupy the last relegation place and the capital city club sit in the final European spot, so both sides have a lot to play for. UD Las Palmas won 3-1 when they met earlier this season, one of Los Amarillos’ just eight victories this league season, so they’ll hope to complete the double at the Estadio de Gran Canaria.
There are five fixtures packed into a busy Saturday, and the first of them comes at Mestalla as Valencia CF play host to Getafe CF. It’s a return to his former club for Getafe CF coach José Bordalás, who’d love to walk away with victory come the full-time whistle.
RC Celta vs Sevilla FC follows, and this match marks something of a role reversal. In previous seasons, May has been the month when RC Celta were sweating about the threat of relegation while Sevilla FC were battling to qualify for Europe, but this year it’s the exact opposite, and just as important a match.
There are two simultaneous games at 18:30 CEST, one being Girona FC vs Villarreal CF and the other RCD Mallorca vs Real Valladolid. The first is important for both clubs, as the Catalans are fighting to avoid the drop and El Submarino Amarillo want to hold on to the final Champions League spot. Then, the game in the Balearic Islands is a huge one for RCD Mallorca, as they really need the three points against already-relegated Real Valladolid if they’re to have a chance of European qualification.
The action then moves to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where Atlético de Madrid take on Real Sociedad in the final game of Saturday. This fixture has produced a lot of drama in recent times, with each of the last four meetings producing a goal in the final 10 minutes. This, then, is a contest worth watching till the very end.
The first game of Sunday also takes place in Spain’s capital, at the Estadio Butarque where CD Leganés meet RCD Espanyol. Los Pepineros desperately need points if they are to escape the relegation zone, while the Catalan outfit aren’t entirely safe yet either. Neither club wants to return to LALIGA HYPERMOTION after just one season, so there’s a lot at stake.
Then, at 16:15 CEST, all eyes will be on ELCLASICO, the fourth meeting between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid this season. Barça have won all three of the previous clashes, including two finals and a 4-0 win at the Bernabéu earlier this league campaign. Now, with Los Azulgranas four points ahead of Real Madrid ahead of this meeting, the two historic foes will lock horns once again at the Estadi Olímpic. If FC Barcelona win again, it’ll be a huge step towards the LALIGA EA SPORTS title. But, if Carlo Ancelotti’s men can claim the three points then it’ll throw the title race wide open. It’s all to play for!
ELCLASICO is immediately followed by a Basque derby, between Athletic Club and Deportivo Alavés at San Mamés. If there is to be another meeting between these clubs next season then the visitors could really use the three points, as they’re currently in 17th place and looking over their shoulders in the relegation battle.
The final fixture of the matchday takes place at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, where Real Betis will hope to keep up their charge for a Champions League spot when they host CA Osasuna. Los Verdiblancos have won three in a row in LALIGA EA SPORTS, and five of their last six at home, so will feel confident as they take to the field in front of their faithful fans.
SOURCE: LALIGA CONTENTHUB
