La Liga 2024-25: High Stakes in Midweek Matches Across Spain
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Synopsis
On April 22, La Liga features four crucial matches with significant implications for the title race, Champions League spots, and relegation battles. Real Madrid's short trip to Getafe will be pivotal, especially depending on FC Barcelona's outcome against Mallorca, as they aim to reduce the gap in the standings.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid faces Getafe in a crucial match.
- Barcelona's result against Mallorca will impact Madrid's title chances.
- Upcoming Copa del Rey final adds pressure on Madrid.
- Athletic's Ernesto Valverde criticizes tight scheduling.
- Alaves fights for survival in a Basque derby.
Madrid (Spain), April 22 (NationPress) Four vital matches in La Liga on Wednesday are crucial for the title chase, the upcoming Champions League spots, and the fight against relegation. Real Madrid will head to Getafe following their dramatic injury-time victory against Athletic Club Bilbao on Sunday. Depending on FC Barcelona's outcome against Mallorca on Tuesday, Madrid might start the game seven points behind the league leaders, necessitating a win to stay competitive.
The Copa del Rey final in Sevilla is scheduled just three days after this encounter, with Madrid understandably frustrated over having 24 hours less to prepare and recover compared to Barca.
With Kylian Mbappe potentially sidelined due to an ankle injury, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rotate his squad to keep key players fresh for Saturday's final, allowing Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler opportunities, along with David Alaba returning to defense, as reported by Xinhua. Getafe sits comfortably in mid-table, with little more than pride at stake.
Athletic Club Bilbao remains in fourth place, holding a five-point cushion over Villarreal in fifth. Coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to make significant adjustments to his lineup after narrowly missing a point at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
Valverde has publicly expressed his discontent with the scheduling that forces his team to play at 7 pm on Wednesday, just 68 hours after finishing on Sunday at 11 pm, suggesting the match could have been arranged for Thursday or Friday instead.
Players like Davi Vivian, Yeray Alvarez, and Oihan Sancet are set to feature, although Nico Williams is doubtful due to a minor groin issue, while Javier Munoz is suspended, and Fabio Silva is uncertain for a Las Palmas side that has recently boosted its survival chances with back-to-back wins.
Villarreal will visit Celta Vigo for what promises to be an exciting match against a rival aiming for European qualification next season, having pushed Barcelona to the limit before succumbing to a penalty in the 98th minute over the weekend. Alex Baena is unavailable for Villarreal, but Yeremi Pino has demonstrated his capability with a goal last weekend.
The final match of Wednesday features Alaves hosting Real Sociedad in a Basque derby. Alaves desperately needs a victory after dropping into the relegation zone over the weekend, despite drawing against Sevilla, while Real Sociedad still harbors hopes of European qualification after their draw in Villarreal.
