La Liga Gameweek 28 preview Casumo

Barcelona prepare to take the title race down to the wire

Barcelona prepared to take the title race down to the wire

For a long time, it has felt like La Liga has been Atletico Madrid’s to lose. But Barcelona haven’t followed the script, and the title race could go down to the wire. The Catalan giants travel to Real Sociedad on Sunday evening, while leaders Atletico Madrid host Alaves earlier in the day. We will provide the lowdown on these games, and reveal the latest odds.

Lionel Messi opens up gap in Golden Boot race

If there’s one player that has defined Barcelona over the past couple of decades, then that’s Lionel Messi. The Argentine is one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, and he will be looking to add to his league tally on Sunday evening against Real Sociedad. This season, he has struck 21 times in La Liga.

That is three more than his closest rival and former team-mate Luis Suarez. Last season, Messi plundered 25 goals and lifted the Pichichi Trophy (Golden Boot award). This time around, he could smash that haul. Messi, who has netted nine La Liga goals in his past six outings, recently equalled Barcelona legend Xavi for most club appearances for the Nou Camp giants (767).

  • Barcelona to beat Real Sociedad @EVENS with Casumo
  • Lionel Messi first goalscorer @19/5 with Casumo

Barcelona unmatched for unique scoring record

So far this season, Barcelona have hit 61 goals in 27 La Liga matches. But they hold a unique record as there have been 17 different scorers, which no other team in Europe’s top five leagues has matched. This feat was achieved when Oscar Mingueza headed home Barca’s third goal in their emphatic 4-1 victory over Huesca last weekend.

Real Sociedad aren’t giving up on faint Champions League hopes

Real Sociedad are currently fifth in La Liga, and they are nine points adrift of Sevilla, who are in the Champions League positions. Sociedad were dealt a setback last weekend when they slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to Granada. While Barca will be a tall order, Sociedad need to get back on the winning trail if they are to break into the top four.

Real Sociedad must end wretched record against Barcelona

Sociedad have had a pretty miserable record over the years against Barcelona. Both sides have met 54 times in the league, with Barcelona triumphing on 34 occasions, while Sociedad have picked up eight wins. Sociedad are searching for their first home win over Barcelona in five years. And the way Barcelona have gathered momentum, Sociedad could wait a little while longer to settle that score.

Atletico Madrid have to regroup quickly after Champions League exit to Chelsea

Atletico will have to dust themselves down and regroup after their disheartening last-16 Champions League at the hands of Chelsea in midweek. Chelsea held a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg. But Atletico scarcely looked like getting back into the tie, especially when Hakim Ziyech slotted through the legs of Jan Oblak just after the half-hour mark at Stamford Bridge.

This was a dispiriting evening for Diego Simeone’s men, who, 12 months earlier, knocked out Liverpool at the same stage of Europe’s premier competition. It will be hoped that their shortcomings in Europe won’t affect their title assault. Atletico’s La Liga form has been more patchy of late with two wins, three draws and a defeat in their past six matches.

  • Atletico Madrid to beat Alaves @7/20 with Casumo
  • Luis Suarez to score the first goal @43/20 with Casumo

Meanwhile, Atletico had a rare blank in front of goal last weekend against Getafe as that match finished in a stalemate. It was their first goalless draw in La Liga since October, when they were frustrated by Villarreal. Simeone’s men should have their shooting boots this weekend and put a few past Alaves.

Alaves in battle to preserve top-flight status

Alaves have a tricky run of games to navigate. After they face Atletico, they have clashes with Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Valencia to contend with. At the moment, it is turning into a serious basement battle at the bottom of the table as there are four points separating Elche in 17th and Huesca in 20th.

And Alaves fans will know all too well that Atletico will show no sympathy towards their plight. There have been 17 encounters in the league, with Atletico coming out on top nine times while Alaves have won on four occasions. Earlier this season, Atletico claimed a 2-1 victory with a last-gasp Suarez winner settling the points in Atletico’s favour.

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