LaLiga EA Sports Final Matchday Schedule: European Spots and Relegation Decided

The schedule is set. Following an unpredictable unified Matchday 37, the final matchday of the season is approaching this weekend. With both European places and relegation still on the line, LaLiga has published the fixtures for Matchday 38. The entire matchday will not be played simultaneously; only five critical matches will kick off at the same time. These include the three games impacting European qualification and the two featuring teams battling to avoid the drop. The remaining five matches, with no bearing on the league standings, will be spread across Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday, culminating in the conclusion of the 2024/25 season on Saturday evening.

Two European Qualification Spots at Stake

Celta, Rayo Vallecano, and Osasuna are the teams vying for a spot in European competitions next season. Two of them will succeed; one will miss out. After a race that initially involved up to six teams, recent losses for Valencia and Mallorca, coupled with Real Sociedad`s defeat the previous week, leave only these three clubs with European aspirations on the final day. For Celta, a victory in their last match would have mathematically secured their place. However, dropping points against Rayo Vallecano has significantly tightened the race ahead of the final fixture. Meanwhile, Osasuna successfully claimed three points by defeating Espanyol, who are now one of the two teams fighting relegation. Osasuna`s win puts them on 51 points, level with sixth-placed Rayo and just one point behind Celta. Of these three teams, one will qualify for the Europa League, one for the Conference League, and one will finish outside the European spots.

Looking ahead to Matchday 38, Giráldez`s Celta team will travel to face Getafe, a side managed by Bordalás that secured their mathematical safety after beating a struggling Mallorca. Coincidentally, the team from the Balearic Islands (Mallorca) will be Rayo`s opponent in Vallecas. Finally, Osasuna will visit Vitoria to play against Alavés, who are also safe from relegation. All three crucial matches are scheduled for Saturday, May 24th, at 9:00 PM.

Espanyol and Leganés Battle Against Relegation

These two teams are the others playing simultaneously. Leganés` victory in Gran Canaria keeps their survival hopes alive for the final matchday, while Espanyol, following their fifth consecutive loss, must face an already-relegated Las Palmas. Similarly, Borja Jiménez`s Leganés team will play against the bottom-placed team. Both of these vital relegation deciders will be played in the 6:30 PM slot, also on Saturday.

The Rest of the Matchday

The remaining five matches will be played in a standard format, having no impact on the final standings. The matchday kicks off on Friday with Betis vs Valencia, allowing the Verdiblancos some rest before their Conference Final (Note: The opponent mentioned in the source appears incorrect). On Saturday, prior to the relegation clashes, it will mark Carlo Ancelotti`s farewell from Real Madrid. Their match against Real Sociedad is at 6:15 PM, potentially also Imanol Alguacil`s final game in charge. On Sunday, the last three fixtures of the season take place. At 2:00 PM, Girona hosts Atlético de Madrid, followed by Villarreal vs Sevilla at 4:15 PM. Finally, Athletic Club vs Barcelona will close the campaign at 9:00 PM in San Mamés.

Complete Matchday 38 Schedule