FOOTBALL – All four teams at the top played yesterday. Each club, with the knowledge that nothing less than a win would do to keep their title race hopes alive. This season´s result really is down to the wire.
The final game of the season will now determine the winner of La Liga 2020/21. There can still be various twists and turns next Sunday before the end of the 90 minutes.
Sevilla
Yesterday, Sevilla hung on until the end but were convincingly beaten in their game away to Villarreal. Carlos Bacca scored a hattrick against his former club in 34, 47 and 79 minutes. Moreno scored the fourth goal for the home team in the 66th minute. Diego Carlos for Sevilla received his second yellow card of the game and was sent off after 52 minutes. This left his team a man down for most of the second half.
Barcelona
Barcelona suffered a home defeat against Celta Vigo. They started well with Messi scoring after only 28 minutes and seemed to dominate the initial part of the first half. However, Mina equalised just 10 minutes later. The goal seemed to take Marc-André ter Stegen completely unawares. The teams went down the tunnel at half time 1-1. Barcelona failed to take the lead from a Messi corner, and a cross from Pique but Araujo failed to put the ball in the net. Celta Vigo gained in confidence with more attempt at goal. Lenglet for Barcelona was sent off after 83 minutes. Mina scored his second game of the match just before the 90-minute mark. The game finished 1-2 and with it, ended Barcelona´s title chances.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid also took 3 points when they won 1-0 in a tense match against Athletic Bilbao. Both teams had their chances. Bilbao´s Berenguer took a free kick that fell short of the far post. Casemiro´s header bounced off the crossbar just into the second half, but then Nacho scored up close in the 68th minute. This keeps them just 2 points behind Atletico. Meaning everything is down to the wire and depends on the last game. There was a red card for Garcia of Athletic Club just before the final whistle.
Atletico
Atletico started strong with Carrasco scoring after 16 minutes. They continued to dominate when a second goal came in 28 minutes for Correa. Zubeldia pulled one back 38 minutes into the second half. But Atletico were deserved winners and remain top of La Liga with the final game next Sunday.
Atlético visit Real Valladolid for the last day of the season while Real Madrid play host to Villarreal.
The mathematics leave it down to the wire
With only two points separating Atletico from Real Madrid, it really could go either way next weekend.
Atletico will lift the title if they win on Sunday against Real Valladolid. However, if Atletico draw, and Real Madrid win, they go equal on points. If this happens, the goals for and against are considered. Currently the goal difference is Atletico on 41 and Real Madrid on 38.
For Real Madrid to take La Liga title, they must win this last home game against Villarreal and Atletico must lose.
With the games being played at the same time, it should make for some interesting atmosphere at both grounds. And an edge of the seat afternoon for both sets of fans.
