Spanish La Liga Weekend Preview
Sevilla have the chance to further push their bid for a European berth this weekend when they take on Athletic Bilbao.
Bilbao's own hopes of a top-six finish are suddenly in danger after a dramatic recent reversal of form.
Sevilla are looking to salvage something from a largely disappointing season by claiming, at least, a Europa League berth and a seven-point haul from their three games has put them on the fringes of the European spots.
They are now level on 38 points with sixth-placed Athletic, and with the Basque side having lost their last four successive games - having previously won four on the trot - Sevilla will hope to improve their lot at San Mames on Sunday.
Last season`s Copa del Rey winners are also still not giving up on their hope of getting back into the Champions League places, although with fourth-placed Villarreal 12 points in front, Sevilla defender Julien Escude is not looking too far ahead.
"There are still enough games to think about our objective (Champions League), but we have to take it step by step. We`ve lost a lot of matches and points since the start of the season and now it`s difficult," said Escude, who helped Sevilla down Sporting Gijon 3-0 on Tuesday.
"But, after the last few games, things are looking better, and for this I think that the game in Bilbao is going to be important to build on our good result at home.
"We need to continue in this form and not think that the Sevilla of old have returned or that we are the best. There are a lot of games remaining, difficult games like Sunday`s."
Second-placed Real Madrid make the potentially difficult trip to Racing Santander, who have been one of La Liga`s most improved sides over the last few weeks.
The has coincided with the arrival of new Racing owner Ahsan Ali Syed, the Indian businessman who said earlier this week: "It`s possible to win any game. It would not surprise me if my team beat Real Madrid."
Meanwhile Sporting Gijon host Getafe and rival strugglers Hercules and Almeria meet in Alicante, Osasuna go to Malaga still looking for their first away win of the season, and Levante meet fifth-placed Espanyol.
On Monday night, Deportivo La Coruna are at home to Real Sociedad.
Saturday's Fixtures
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Villarreal
Sunday's Fixtures
Racing Santander vs Real Madrid
Monday's Fixtures
Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Sociedad
Powered by Disqus
Join us on Facebook