It was an influential weekend for the Basque sides. With the season close to its finale and Barcelona already celebrating the LaLiga title with a win over Levante, attention now turns to the European places and the relegation scrap. The fourth Champions League place is still up for grabs while the likes of Athletic Club and Alavés are hoping the teams above them slip up in order for them to take a Europa League place. So, with a common gain in mind, the two Basque sides faced each other in the Vizcaya against Alava derby.

Alavés started brightest in the game, relying on Jony to propel the team forward while the two strikers; Calleri and Bastón, floated on the edge of the box. Jony’s pace would come into play with the game’s first big chance. Deep playing Bastón found the winger with a through ball but Jony’s shot rounded the keeper and the post. The first opportunity for Athletic Club came in the form of a bold bicycle kick attempt from Raúl García but the effort soared over the crossbar. It was an even first half, with the majority of the play being contested in the midfield areas but just as it felt the game was becoming stale, Beñat stepped up with a delightful freekick that rose over the wall and curled into the top left. It was the midfielder’s first goal in two years and set his side up nicely to enter the break in the lead. Alavés hit back aggressively and equalised in added time to level things up before the start of half-time. Jony was part of the action again with a lovely freekick into the box, Herrerín punched away the dangerous ball but Duarte quickly struck it back into the crowd, it was here where Bastón found the net with his shot on the turn. After the break, Williams should have converted a free header from De Marcos’ deft cross, but he could only find the top of the net. Alavés were quick to counter from dispossessing the opposition and continued to cause problems with their pacey attackers. The introduction of Inui added more threat on the right and the Japanese player drove a low ball to Wakaso in the box, but the midfielder struck his effort directly at the goalkeeper. It was a result that neither team wanted and despite both sides having contrasting halves of the season both should be content with their close finish to the European places. This season should provide a platform for both teams to improve upon and enable them to fight for a top six place next year.

Real Sociedad hosted fourth place Getafe on Sunday, the Madrid side have been the dark horses of the league this season and currently beat Sevilla to the Champions League spot on head-to-head points. Valencia and Sevilla will have watched the game closely, hoping that the home side can cause an upset. Yet, Sociedad have been woeful at home this season. With just five wins at the Anoeta, expectations going into the game against a strong Getafe side were low. Youngsters Muñoz, Muguruza and Sangalli took to the field for the home side perhaps in the hope of adding a spark of energy that could inspire the team. Sangalli in particular would have an immediate impact with his darting run forward. After tussling with Flamini during his run, Sangalli couldn’t beat Soria at his near post. Getafe didn’t respond to Sociedad’s early attacks enabling the home side to press further. After twenty minutes of play Mikel Merino was brought down in the area by Djené during a corner and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check. Willian José stepped up and converted the spot kick to the left. Following the halftime break, Sociedad were given space to roam and happily dove forward with the ball. Pardo dribbled forward before offloading the ball to Willian José who had drifted out wide. The striker curled the ball behind the back line where captain Oyarzabal side-footed the ball beyond the reach of the keeper. It was the type of offensive move that has rarely been seen by the home fans this season and caused delight within the stands. It was now that Getafe finally began to show some of the football that has propelled them up the table with some good passing and movement in and around the box. Substitute Samuel Sáíz found space on the left and found Mata lurking at the post. The striker side-footed a volley at goal, but Rulli was quick to dive low in order to make the stop. Fingers were soon pointed at Rulli though as the goalkeeper brought down Mata in the box, a VAR review bizarrely concluded that play would continue much to the anger of Getafe coach Bordalás. Getafe’s persistence would eventually benefit them in the 89th minute when Sáíz cut in and swerved a pleasing strike into the Sociedad goal. It would be too late for visitors though as their battle for Champions League football took a dent. Sociedad were rightly pleased with the result and showed how effective they can be when they play without fear. The fans will be hoping for a similar performance next week against Alavés.

Eibar travelled from their green valley to coastal Valencia for their game this Sunday. A win was needed for Valencia who are still seeking fourth place. The crowd desired urgency from their team and created an intense atmosphere prior to kick off. Valencia were commanded by the crowd and were aggressive in getting forward during the opening minutes. A Parejo freekick from just outside the box was dipped and curled towards the far corner but Dmitrović made a strong diving save to deny the midfielder. Eibar played their usual good possessional football and continued their usual dance down the wings. A penetrating ball from Peña found Orellana lurking at the back post but his header was saved from point-blank range by Neto. Valencia were soon struggling in aerial duels; something they have been poor with this season, particularly when defending set pieces. It was evidenced by an Eibar corner that wasn’t dealt with leading to Orellana having an open shot at goal at the back post, fortunately for the home side, Neto was there yet again to make the save. In the second half, Valencia went back to basics with some good passing through the middle. A tremendous lobbed through ball from Coqeulin found Gameiro who decided to go it alone and fired high over the bar despite Rodrigo finding space in the box. Soon Valencia looked to have regained some of the form that had helped them climb up the table. An overlapping Gayá squared the ball across goal but substitute Santi Mina couldn’t find a heavy enough touch on the ball. Valencia were punished for their missed chances when a failed clearance from Gayá travelled behind the back line to Charles who simply slotted home with the outside of his foot. Valencia fans held their heads most likely believing their Champions League hopes had been dashed. It wouldn’t be until later that evening that they sighed a breath of relief upon hearing the news of Getafe’s defeat at Sociedad. Eibar were good at points in the game and should have made better use of their well-constructed chances, it would in the end be a stroke of luck that gave them all three points.

Osasuna hosted Albacete on Saturday in a crucial game that would affect the top the table. The visitors have been impressive this season and experienced time at the top of the table earlier in the year. That was however, before the rise of Osasuna who currently occupy first place after a startlingly consistent run of results. Before kick-off, fans created a pulsating atmosphere with the understanding that if the side can beat Albacete, they can beat anyone and win the league title. The noise must have had some affect with the players emerging with desire and enthusiasm. With the first half underway, Osasuna were keen to control the ball and the pace of the game. Ibañez had the game’s first chance with his curling side footed attempt from the edge of the box being saved by goalkeeper Nadal. The player would be handed another opportunity minutes later but this time his acute angled shot was caught by the keeper. Osasuna maintained the pressure on the Albacete back line and soon found Villar who shifted onto his left before his shot was denied by a busy Nadal. Before the end of the first half, a García freekick appeared to hit the arm of Bela but no penalty was awarded. Albacete returned from the break with a greater intensity and began creating their own chances at goal though this was soon put on hold when Torres was shown a second yellow for a deliberate foul. This felt like a turning point with Osasuna able to once again apply their pressure. In the 70th minute, an Osasuna corner found the head of Perea but this initial attempt was stopped leaving the ball bouncing amidst the crowd, Unai García and Villar both attempted simultaneous bicyle kicks but it was García who made contact, sending the ball into the net. Osasuna doubled their lead when Zozulya stopped Torres’ effort on the line with his hands. It earnt the striker a red card while Torres converted the penalty, capping off a good performance by the home side. The win cements Osasuna’s position at the top as they look for the league title.

Player of the Week

Muguruza

The young winger was deployed on the right for Real Sociedad’s game against Getafe and it was clear that the youngster was the sort of spark that the team have longed for. His pace, aggression and technical ability was all on display and impressed the variety of pundits observing the game. There was a risk to Muguruza’s play, he was bold and able to run at the opposition. If his good performances in a La Real shirt continue, I see no reason why he cannot become a regular starter in the side.