MADRID, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The last weekend of the round of matches in the Spanish Liga Santander will see the league title decided along with the sides who will play in next season's Europa League. Here are some things to look out for on matchday 38 in Spain.
1) How will Malaga perform against Real Madrid?
It is a question which should not really be asked as Real Madrid travel to the south of Spain looking for a point that will give them their first league title since 2012. However, comments by Malaga coach Michel Gonzalez and Malaga owner Sheik Abdullah Al Thani have raised doubts over whether or not they will give 100 percent.
In 1992 and 1993 Michel was part of the Real Madrid side that lost two titles on the last day of the season following defeats away to a Tenerife side coached by another former Madrid player, Jorge Valdano. When asked about that recently Michel commented he was "a better Madrid fan," than Valdano had been. Obviously those comments were not well received in Barcelona and the comments in the Catalan press provoked a reaction from Malaga's owner that the "Catalan dogs" will not win the league title.
Add to that the fact that Malaga stand to earn an extra million euros from Madrid for the 2013 sale of Isco, if Real Madrid win the title (more than the difference in prize money between finishing 11th and 12th in the league) and it is hardly surprising that observers in Spain (and especially in Barcelona) will be looking for signs of Malaga giving anything less than their all in the season's decisive game.
2) Luis Enrique says goodbye to Camp Nou
Sunday's home game against Eibar will be Luis Enrique's last game as Barca coach at the Camp Nou Stadium. Although Barcelona have underperformed this season, he has still led the side to two league titles in his first two seasons in charge as well as the Champions League, two King's Cups and the World Club Championship, plus the Spanish and European Supercups.
Sunday could end in triumph if Barca win and Real Madrid lose, or it could be an anti-climax if Madrid take control in Malaga, but Barca fans would do well to recognize the work of a man who at times may be prickly with the press, but who has kept the bar high in terms of bringing home the silverware.
3) Happy goodbye to the Calderon?
Atletico Madrid say goodbye to the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Sunday after 50 years in the stadium next to the river Manzanares in what promises to be an emotional afternoon for the 50,000 fans present.
Such is the demand to watch the last league match in the ground that Atletico didn't send any tickets to their rivals, Athletic Club Bilbao, who need to win in order to assure a place in next season's Europa League. While Athletic have been working all week, Atletico have nothing to play for having assured a third place finish for the season and enjoyed three days holiday before a team lunch on Thursday. Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde, who could be in the dugout of the Basque side for the last time on Sunday, says there is no chance Atletico will take their foot off the gas, but Sunday will be emotional for Atletico's players and fans and that could allow their rivals to spoil the party.
4) Who will seal European places?
As well as Athletic's trip to the Calderon, Villarreal play away to Valencia, while Real Sociedad travel to face Celta Vigo also looking for a ticket for Europe. Valencia, who say goodbye to provisional coach Voro Gonzalez, would love to pour cold water on their neighbors' chances, while Celta have lost six consecutive games and were in action against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
None of the three contenders have easy games, but perhaps Real Sociedad will be the most optimistic of getting a win, although one thing is certain, one of the three will be watching the Cup final on May 27th hoping Barca beat Alaves to ensure they too play in Europe next season.
