Every La Liga match this week predicted: Leganés vs. Real Madrid and a four-way battle for Europa League spot

La Liga is finally coming to an end after a whirlwind month of football.

The 38th matchday comes a few days after the last one and even though the title is settled there are still a couple of things still to play for. There are three earlier games including Barcelona’s trip to Alavés, whilst all the games of consequence kick-off at 8pm UK time.

Leganés’ amazing late season form could give them a chance to avoid relegation at Celta Vigo’s expense, but most of the excitement on the final day is the battle for Europa League qualification as four clubs – Real Sociedad, Getafe, Valencia and Granada – all have a chance.

For the last time, Squawka is going up against La Liga Lowdown in a predictions head-to-head, with LLL represented by Román de Arquer.

16:00

Alavés vs. Barcelona

Muhammad Butt: Barcelona’s Liga season has petered out in a most disgraceful manner. From leading the division by two points prior to matchday 28 to heading into matchday 38 a whopping seven points behind Real Madrid. However Leo Messi’s intense rallying call after the Osasuna defeat should see them put in a determined display away to Alavés. 1-2 Barcelona.

Román de Arquer: Alavés 1-2 Barcelona

17:30

Villarreal vs. Eibar

MB: After a seriously bright restart, Villarreal have lost three of their last four. Eibar should provide decent opposition but the Yellow Submarine will be motivated by wanting to win retiring captain Bruno Soriano’s final game. 2-1 Villarreal.

RdA: Villarreal 1-2 Eibar

Valladolid vs. Real Betis

MB: Both sides come into the final day in fairly wretched form and will just want the season to end. Anything could happen when they face off with nothing at stake in the middle of July. So expect a timid affair. 1-1 draw.

RdA: Valladolid 1-1 Real Betis

20:00

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Sociedad

MB: La Real know that only a win will guarantee them Europa League football next season. A draw could see them enter the playoffs and a loss, coupled with the results going against them, could see them finish as low as 9th. Unfortunately a loss is what is awaiting them at the Wanda Metropolitano, so they better pray for other results to go in their favour! 1-0 Atleti.

RdA: Atlético Madrid 2-2 Real Sociedad

Espanyol vs. Celta Vigo

MB: Celta play fantastic football yet struggle to actually get results. They’re winless in six games and this run has taken them to the brink of relegation, where only a win assures their place in La Liga 2020/21. Thankfully for them they are facing the worst outfit in the division in already relegated Espanyol. Los Perikos have lost eight straight games and are the perfect opponents for Celta to secure their survival. 1-2 Celta.

RdA: Espanyol 1-3 Celta Vigo

Granada vs. Athletic Club

MB: Granada have an outside shot at Europa League qualification and for that to happen, they have to beat Athletic Club. And given Los Leones’ indifferent form as well as Granada’s quality you can’t rule out that happening. 2-1 Granada.

RdA: Granada 1-0 Athletic Club

Leganés vs. Real Madrid

MB: Leganés fightback under Javier Aguirre has been supreme. They have 10 points out of the last 12, only Real Madrid have done better over the same period, and need a win to have a chance of surviving. Unfortunately for them they now play Real Madrid, albeit a Los Blancos side that is confirmed as champions. So much of Madrid’s quality comes from an intangible mental strength that, as we’ve seen with Liverpool, cannot help but drop when you’ve already won the trophy. Leganés won’t get the win, and will go down, but they will become the first side to take points off Zidane’s all-conquering side. 2-2 draw.

RdA: Leganés 0-3 Real Madrid

Levante vs. Getafe

MB: Getafe need a win (and some luck) to make the Europa League, unfortunately for them they’re winless in five and come up against a Levante side that is just devastating on the break. José Bordolas’ boys will get taken down by Paco Lopez’s lethal counter-attack. 3-1 Levante.

RdA: Levante 1-1 Getafe

Osasuna vs. Mallorca

MB: Osasuna just became the first side to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou this season and will be overflowing with confidence as a result. Conversely, Mallorca were just confirmed as relegated. This should be straightforward. 2-1 Osasuna.

RdA: Osasuna 2-0 Mallorca

Sevilla vs. Valencia

MB: Sevilla are secured in their Champions League spot for next season but Valencia have to win and hope other results go their way if they want to even qualify for the Europa League. Unfortunately for Albert Celades’ men, they haven’t won in 10 away matches in La Liga, a run stretching back to December 2019. 1-0 Sevilla.

RdA: Valencia still have a shot at Europe, but after being incapable of defeating 10-men Leganés and barely snatching a win against relegated Espanyol, it’s highly unlikely they’ll surprise a solid and well-organised Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán. They also won’t have a fit left-back with José Gayà injured and Jaume Costa suspended, which adds to the never-ending list of problems this club keeps running into. Sevilla 2-1 Valencia

PLAYER TO WATCH: LUCAS OCAMPOS is the only player in La Liga this season to have both scored a goal and saved a shot.

READ MORE ON LA LIGA:

La Liga 2019/20 top scorers list
La Liga 2019/20 most assist tables
How to live stream La Liga games online
Predictions and tips