The 27th round of LaLiga EA Sports, taking place between Saturday, March 8th, and Monday, March 10th, marks the beginning of the final third of the season.
Here are the results from Saturday’s matches, which directly impact the relegation battle: Celta Vigo vs. CD Leganés (2-1), Deportivo Alavés vs. Villarreal CF (1-0), and Valencia CF vs. Real Valladolid (2-1). These results leave Valladolid at the bottom with 16 points, practically relegated. Alavés is third from bottom with 26 points, while Leganés and Valencia are tied at 27 points, although the latter have two games in hand. The FC Barcelona vs. CA Osasuna match was postponed due to the passing of FC Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro.
Sunday features five more matches: Getafe CF vs. Atlético de Madrid (2:00 PM), Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano (4:15 PM), Athletic Club vs. RCD Mallorca (6:30 PM), Real Betis vs. UD Las Palmas (6:30 PM), and Real Sociedad vs. Sevilla FC (9:00 PM).
The Catalan derby, RCD Espanyol vs. Girona FC, is scheduled for Monday (9:00 PM).
Match Results
League Standings
Celta Vigo vs. CD Leganés (2-1)
- Balaídos
Celta managed to secure three points against Leganés at home. Leganés took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Roisier, but Celta equalized before halftime with a goal from Mingueza in the 26th minute. In added time before the break, Alfon scored the decisive goal, completing the comeback and leaving Leganés in the lower part of the table for another week.
Deportivo Alavés vs. Villarreal CF (1-0)
- Mendizorroza
A single goal from Manu Sánchez early in the match gave Alavés a crucial victory against Villarreal. Despite playing the last 10 minutes with nine men after Sivera’s expulsion in the 58th minute for a handball outside the area and Antonio Blanco’s dismissal in the 84th minute, Coudet’s team gained vital points, ending a six-game winless streak.
Valencia CF vs. Real Valladolid (2-1)
- Mestalla
Valencia defeated Valladolid 2-1 at Mestalla in a match defined by errors and individual brilliance. Diego López put the home side ahead in the first half, but a misplaced pass from Mamardashvili allowed Latasa to equalize for Valladolid. Sadiq had opportunities before halftime, but his lack of precision kept the score level. The Nigerian forward redeemed himself in the second half. In the 59th minute, he controlled a long ball, outmaneuvered Cenk, and finished accurately to make it 2-1. Valladolid pushed until the end, but Tárrega came closest to scoring, hitting the crossbar in the 89th minute. Ultimately, the three points stayed in Mestalla, lifting Valencia out of the relegation zone.
FC Barcelona vs. CA Osasuna
- Montjuïc
Match postponed due to the sudden death of FC Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro.
Getafe CF vs. Atlético de Madrid
- Coliseum
The Coliseum is set for a power battle between two physically strong teams. Bordalás’ Getafe, true to their tenacious style, will try to spoil the day for Atlético, who need to win to stay in the top contention. A Madrid derby is always synonymous with excitement, now more than ever.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano
- Santiago Bernabéu
Madrid, after their setback at Villamarín, hosts Rayo Vallecano, who, despite their inconsistency, have proven capable of causing upsets in big games. Ancelotti’s team cannot afford to relax against a team that, true to their identity, will come to the Bernabéu without fear.
Athletic Club vs. RCD Mallorca
- San Mamés
San Mamés will be the stage for a match between two teams with European aspirations. Athletic, strong at home, wants to further solidify their privileged position, while Jagoba Arrasate’s Mallorca will try to cause an upset to move closer to the upper zone.
Real Betis vs. UD Las Palmas
- Villamarín
At Benito Villamarín, Betis, high in morale after defeating Real Madrid at the same venue, faces UD Las Palmas, who, having moved past the Diego Martínez effect, cannot afford more setbacks if they want to get out of the danger zone.
Real Sociedad vs. Sevilla FC
- Reale Arena
Anoeta hosts a classic of Spanish football at a delicate moment for Sevilla. Real Sociedad wants to take advantage of Sevilla’s discreet form. Sevilla, in a mid-table position, will try to pull off a surprise in a difficult setting to bring some joy to their fans.
RCD Espanyol vs. Girona FC
- RCDE Stadium
The Catalan derby closes the round with Espanyol, who urgently needs to win to maintain distance from the bottom zone, and Girona, whose European options have been put on hold due to a poor run of results. The RCDE Stadium will be a pressure cooker in a match full of rivalry.