La Liga: Villarreal Seek Upset as Mbappe Chases Golden Boot in Season’s Penultimate Weekend
Although Barcelona have already sealed the La Liga 2024/25 title, there’s plenty at stake as the league enters its second-to-last matchday.
Here are five key storylines to watch this weekend, as clubs battle for European spots, survival, and personal glory.
🟡 Villarreal Look to Capitalize on Carefree Champions
Villarreal, currently fifth, are on the brink of clinching a Champions League spot and will travel to face newly crowned champions Barcelona on Sunday.
With nothing left to prove, Hansi Flick’s Barca could play with more attacking flair in front of their jubilant fans at the Olympic Stadium, possibly for the last time before returning to Camp Nou.
Villarreal’s charge has been led by Ayoze Perez, who has scored 18 goals this season, including seven in his last nine games. The Yellow Submarine hold a five-point cushion over sixth-placed Real Betis.
⚽ Mbappe Eyes Scoring Title in Debut La Liga Season
Despite Real Madrid’s trophyless season, Kylian Mbappe continues to shine. With 28 La Liga goals and 40 across all competitions, he leads the Golden Boot race, ahead of Robert Lewandowski (25 goals).
Madrid travel to Sevilla, who have just secured their safety from relegation after a win against Las Palmas. Mbappe will be hungry to increase his tally and finish his first season in Spain with a personal accolade.
🔻 Leganes Fight for Top-Flight Survival
Leganes, sitting 18th, are fighting to avoid joining Las Palmas and Real Valladolid in Segunda Division.
To keep their slim hopes alive, they must beat Las Palmas and pray that 17th-placed Alaves drop points against Valladolid. A defeat would seal their fate.
Meanwhile, Espanyol, although five points ahead of Leganes, are not yet mathematically safe.
👋 Real Sociedad Say Farewell to Long-Serving Coach
Real Sociedad fans will bid farewell to coach Imanol Alguacil in their final home match against Girona. Alguacil famously led the club to Copa del Rey glory in 2020, their first major trophy since 1987.
He’s set to be replaced by reserve coach Sergio Francisco. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi could also be leaving, with Arsenal and Real Madrid both showing strong interest.
🌍 Celta Vigo Aim for European Return After 8 Years
Under Claudio Giraldez, Celta Vigo have played some of the league’s most entertaining football. A win against Rayo Vallecano will guarantee seventh place and a spot in European competition for the first time since 2016–17, when they reached the Europa League semi-finals.
📅 La Liga Fixtures – Sunday, May 18 (Kickoff: 17:00 GMT)
- Las Palmas vs Leganes
- Valladolid vs Alaves
- Osasuna vs Espanyol
- Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano
- Barcelona vs Villarreal
- Real Sociedad vs Girona
- Sevilla vs Real Madrid
- Mallorca vs Getafe
- Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao
- Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis
