Real Sociedad (4th, 65 points)
After the top three of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, the team currently occupying the final Champions League spot is Real Sociedad. Under the coaching of Imanol Alguacil, La Real have come close to reaching the Champions League on a few occasions over the past few years. Returning to Europe’s top competition, which the Basque side last participated in in 2013/14, has become an objective for the club and they currently hold a comfortable advantage over Villarreal CF, thanks to the recent good performances of the likes of David Silva, Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Merino, Alexander Sørloth and others.
Remaining fixtures: UD Almería (H), Atlético de Madrid (A), Sevilla FC (H)
Villarreal CF (5th, 60 points)
At Villarreal CF, nobody is giving up hope of making a return to the Champions League. Even though there is a five-point gap, Villarreal CF often finish seasons well and still believe that they could make a return to the Champions League, a competition they reached the semi-finals of in 2021/22. Even if Quique Setién’s men don’t end up catching La Real for fourth, fifth place brings direct passage to the Europa League group stages and that too is a success for this club from a city of 50,000 people.
Remaining fixtures: Cádiz CF (H), Rayo Vallecano (A), Atlético de Madrid (H)
Real Betis (6th, 56 points)
Real Betis have never before qualified for European football in three consecutive seasons, but that’s very much on the cards this campaign. Los Verdiblancos currently hold a Europa League group stage ticket as they sit in sixth place. Thanks to their recent wins over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano and their draw in El Gran Derbi, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have opened up a sizable gap. That’s very impressive considering the team lost star midfielder Nabil Fekir to a season-ending injury in February.
Remaining fixtures: Getafe CF (H), Girona FC (A), Valencia CF (H)
Athletic Club (7th, 50 points)
Athletic Club are no strangers to European football, however the Basques haven’t had to look out their passports since 2018. With Ernesto Valverde back at the helm this season, Los Leones want to qualify for Europe again and the dynamic football of brothers Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams means that they have a chance. Their victory over RC Celta in the most recent matchday means that they currently possess the final European ticket.
Remaining fixtures: CA Osasuna (A), Elche CF (H), Real Madrid (A)
Girona FC (8th, 48 points)
Girona FC have fallen out of the top seven, but they still have a chance of making history. The Catalan club have never before qualified for Europe, but they’re only two points behind the final European ticket. After winning promotion through the LaLiga SmartBank playoffs last season, Míchel’s side have been playing some thrilling football this term, and they’re currently the fourth-top scorers in the division with 55 goals scored from 35 matches.
Remaining fixtures: RC Celta (A), Real Betis (H), CA Osasuna (A)
Sevilla FC (9th, 48 points)
Just a few weeks ago, Sevilla FC were more concerned about the threat of relegation than about the possibility of finishing in the European positions. But their results have improved significantly under new coach José Luis Mendilibar and Los Rojiblancos could finish inside the top seven.
Remaining fixtures: Elche CF (A), Real Madrid (H), Real Sociedad (A)
CA Osasuna (10th, 47 points)
CA Osasuna are very much in with a chance of qualifying for Europe for the first time in a decade and a half. There is optimism in Pamplona despite the current gap of three points, because they still face some of their direct rivals – Athletic Club and Girona FC both still have to visit El Sadar. The direct duel of CA Osasuna vs Athletic Club this midweek could be decisive.
Remaining fixtures: Athletic Club (H), Getafe CF (A), Girona FC (H)
Rayo Vallecano (11th, 46 points)
Another team that believes European qualification is still possible is Rayo Vallecano. The team from the capital city have been in Europe once before, in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup, and they’re aiming for a return this year. Even though the capital city side are now four points behind, coach Andoni Iraola has insisted that his team will fight to the end.
Remaining fixtures: Real Madrid (A), Villarreal CF (H), RCD Mallorca (A)
