What Insights Did We Gain from La Liga's Matchday 37?

Madrid, May 19 (NationPress) The second-to-last weekend of action in La Liga has left fans questioning the relegation battle and the contenders for the final two European spots for the upcoming season.

With Barcelona securing the championship and Real Madrid comfortably positioned for a second-place finish, the drama continues at the lower end of the table, making the closing weeks particularly captivating.

Here are four key takeaways from this weekend in Spain:

1. Athletic Club Bilbao Proves Defensive Prowess

A stunning goal from Alex Berenguer in the 70th minute led Athletic Club Bilbao to a 1-0 victory against Valencia, ensuring they finish fourth in the La Liga standings (behind Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid) and secure a spot in next season's Spanish Supercup, according to reports from Xinhua.

This season has been intense for the Europa League semifinalists, with a packed schedule resulting in injuries to critical players in recent games.

Nevertheless, a defense led by Dani Vivian and Unai Simon in goal has remained impenetrable, marking the fifth consecutive match in which Athletic has kept a clean sheet.

With only five losses all season (the fewest in La Liga) and just 26 goals conceded, they boast the best defensive record in Europe.

And if your opponents can’t score, it certainly eases the burden on the attack.

2. Villarreal Also Secures Champions League Spot

Villarreal’s 3-2 victory against Barcelona may not be as shocking as it seems, considering that Barca celebrated their La Liga title on Thursday and continued the festivities into Friday.

Nonetheless, it is a remarkable achievement for coach Marcelino Garcia Toral’s dynamic squad, ensuring their place in next season's Champions League following five consecutive league victories.

Villarreal has certainly gained from an early exit in the Copa del Rey and not participating in European competitions, allowing the team to concentrate solely on weekly fixtures. With Ayoze Perez (19 goals), Thierno Barry (11 goals), and Alex Baena (six goals), they arguably possess the quickest attack in La Liga, complemented by seasoned players like Raul Albiol, Dani Parejo, and Juan Foyth in defense and midfield.

3. European Race Extended to Final Matchday

Celta Vigo appeared poised for success this weekend, with a home victory against Rayo Vallecano seemingly securing seventh place and a spot in the Europa League. However, Rayo managed to upset them at the Balaidos Stadium, moving just a point behind in the standings.

Osasuna’s 2-0 triumph over Espanyol keeps the Pamplona side in contention, with striker Ante Budimir netting his 21st goal of the season.

Celta still has an opportunity to secure seventh place with a win against Getafe, while Rayo must defeat Mallorca, whose European aspirations were dashed by Getafe, and Osasuna will travel to face an Alaves team that is now safe from relegation.

With a spot in the Conference League also up for grabs, the final day of the season promises to be thrilling.

4. Kike Garcia: The Veteran Unsung Hero

Veteran forward Kike Garcia remained composed to convert a penalty in the sixth minute, leading Alaves to a 1-0 victory against Valladolid that guarantees the team from Vitoria another season in La Liga.

The 35-year-old Kike has had a remarkable scoring season, netting 13 goals, but his impact extends far beyond that, as he serves as a focal point in attack and fiercely contests with opposing defenders.

While fans of larger clubs may not recognize him, his decade-long presence in the elite league makes him one of La Liga's true unsung heroes.