LaLiga Matchday 33: Xavi's Barca close in on title

Sean Wilson
LiveScore
Raphinha scored against Real Betis on Saturday and in Barcelona's previous match-up with Osasuna
Raphinha scored against Real Betis on Saturday and in Barcelona's previous match-up with Osasuna

Barcelona host Osasuna knowing that a win could see them crowned champions before their next LaLiga fixture — if results elsewhere go their way.

Looking to spoil their title party are Real Madrid, who can delay the Blaugrana's celebrations by beating fourth-placed Real Sociedad away from home.

Atletico Madrid will be keen to capitalise on any Los Blancos slip-up when they play Cadiz as Diego Simeone's men bid to leapfrog their rivals into second.

Elsewhere, Valencia contest a Derbi de la Comunitat with Villarreal, while European hopefuls Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis meet at San Mames.

Game of the week: Barcelona vs Osasuna (Tuesday, 6.30pm)

A victory against Osasuna could prove to be the win that ultimately clinches the title for Xavi's side — but that is dependent on Real's results.

If Los Blancos pick up at least two points from their next two fixtures against Real Sociedad and Getafe, then the Blaugrana will have to wait to be crowned champions even if they win.

Barca had endured a run of just one win in four (two draws, one defeat) but will hope their 4-0 dismantling of Real Betis last time out proves the end of that difficult spell.

The Catalan giants boast the best defence in the division, conceding just 11 goals, as well as the leading candidate to win the Golden Boot in Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 19 times in LaLiga this season.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid (Tuesday, 9pm)

Real will be desperate to delay Barcelona's celebrations for as long as possible — but a trip to Sociedad could well prove a challenging affair.

La Real are deservedly fourth, recording the fourth-most wins (17) and the fourth-fewest defeats (eight) in the division this term.

They proved Los Blancos' equal in the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu, holding Carlo Ancelotti's men to a 0-0 draw.

In Karim Benzema, however, the capital club possess a striker in fine form. The 35-year-old netted a hat-trick against Almeria on Saturday — and will be looking to make a similar impact in San Sebastian.

Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema has scored 17 LaLiga goals this term
Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema has scored 17 LaLiga goals this term

Atletico Madrid vs Cadiz (Wednesday, 9pm)

Atleti ensured they kept the pressure on their capital rivals with a swashbuckling 5-2 victory over Real Valladolid last time out and will need more of the same against Cadiz.

Antoine Griezmann recorded two assists in that victory, making it 12 for the season in LaLiga. No other player has more than nine ahead of this round of fixtures.

Simeone's side are in a rich vein of form, having won eight of their last nine league outings, narrowly losing the other against champions-elect Barcelona.

Cadiz secured a titanic 2-1 victory over relegation rivals Valencia in their most recent outing — only their second win in nine league games. 

However, they go into this matchday just four points above the relegation zone and are far from safe.

Antoine Griezmann contributed two assists for the second consecutive LaLiga match against Real Valladolid
Antoine Griezmann contributed two assists for the second consecutive LaLiga match against Real Valladolid

Valencia vs Villarreal (Wednesday, 6.30pm)

After enduring a four-game winless run, Valencia did their survival hopes the world of good by registering back-to-back victories against Elche and Valladolid last month.

However, Los Che reverted to type on Sunday, losing 2-1 at Cadiz. It was their 17th defeat of the season — only bottom club Elche have been beaten more often (22).

They host a high-flying Villarreal side determined to secure a European berth. The Yellow Submarine are simultaneously chasing fourth-placed Sociedad, while also staving off the challenge of Betis and Athletic Bilbao below them.

Quique Setien's outfit are not in the business of sharing points — ahead of Matchday 33, only Barcelona (four) had recorded fewer LaLiga draws this season than their five.

Valencia suffered a damaging defeat against fellow strugglers Cadiz last time out
Valencia suffered a damaging defeat against fellow strugglers Cadiz last time out

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis (Thursday, 9pm)

Athletic face Betis in a clash that could prove decisive in the race for continental qualification.

The hosts sit seventh going into this round of fixtures — two points behind their opponents, who occupy sixth spot.

But Betis' strong early season form has given way to a significant blip. Manuel Pellegrini's team have registered just one win in their last six LaLiga games (one draw, four defeats).

Athletic, meanwhile, have only been beaten once in their previous seven league outings (four wins, two draws), although they have failed to win either of their two most recent fixtures (one draw, one defeat).

The week's other games

Almeria vs Elche (Tuesday, 6.30pm

Getafe vs Celta Vigo (Wednesday, 9pm

Girona vs Mallorca (Thursday, 6.30pm

Sevilla vs Espanyol (Thursday, 6.30pm

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Valladolid (Thursday, 9pm)

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Tags

LaLigaBarcelonaOsasunaReal SociedadReal MadridAtletico MadridCadizValenciaVillarrealAthletic BilbaoReal Betis