La Liga enters round 22 with pressure building at both ends of the table as the title race, European places and relegation battle begin to intersect.
Barcelona lead the standings by a single point after another controlled league win, but Real Madrid remain firmly in pursuit following a routine away victory. With little margin for error at the top, every result this weekend carries added weight.
Behind the leading pair, Atletico Madrid look to steady themselves after a European setback, while fourth-placed Villarreal attempt to arrest a worrying run that has opened the door to those chasing Champions League qualification.
AFRICA PICKS: La Liga value bets
At the foot of the table, survival concerns dominate. Levante, Mallorca and Oviedo remain locked in the bottom three, making each fixture increasingly significant.
Round 22 offers a mix of recovery tests for heavyweights and opportunity for mid-table sides to apply pressure. With form lines tightening and fixture congestion easing, La Liga’s latest chapter looks set to be shaped by control, response and fine margins rather than clear separation.
Photo: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
