Alaves end Barcelona's 100-point bid with a 1-0 win, while Real Betis clinch their first Champions League spot in 20 years. Full LaLiga relegation wrap-up.
Barcelona Crash In Vitoria
Newly-crowned champions Barcelona saw their dream of a 100-point season vanish on Wednesday after a 1-0 defeat to Alaves. Ibrahim Diabate’s strike in first-half stoppage time gave the hosts a massive three points, moving them out of the relegation zone to 15th.
Barca coach Hansi Flick rotated his squad after their recent Clasico win, handing a debut to 21-year-old Alvaro Cortes. Despite dominating possession and seeing energy from Marcus Rashford, the Catalans couldn't break a disciplined Alaves defense.
Betis End 20-Year Wait
Real Betis have officially qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2005. A 2-1 win over Elche, sealed by Pablo Fornals’ 68th-minute winner, guaranteed Manuel Pellegrini’s side a top-five finish. "We wrote 'Journey to the Champions League' on the board on day one," an emotional Pellegrini told reporters.
Relegation Fight Heats Up
The battle to stay in LaLiga has become a "ferocious" scramble with two rounds left:
Sevilla’s Great Escape: Down 2-0 to third-placed Villarreal, Sevilla fought back to win 3-2. Goals from Oso, Kike Salas, and Akor Adams moved the Andalusians to 10th, four points clear of danger.
Espanyol’s Relief: After 18 games without a win, Espanyol defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0. Coach Manolo Gonzalez was seen in tears as his side moved three points clear of the bottom three.
Getafe Safe: A 3-1 win over Mallorca secured Getafe's top-flight status for another year, while leaving Mallorca hovering just above the drop zone on goal difference.
With Real Oviedo already relegated, 12 teams are still mathematically at risk. Only five points separate 8th place from 19th, promising a chaotic final two matchdays.
