MADRID, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Tuesday sees the start of a midweek round of matches in the Spanish Liga Santander, which could see FC Barcelona take another step closer to the title, while also producing drama in the battle against relegation.
Barcelona travel to play Celta Vigo on Tuesday, knowing that a win would leave them needing just four points to be confirmed as this season's title winners.
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde has promised changes in his side ahead of Saturday's Cup final against Sevilla.
Sevilla are also in Tuesday night action, but if he wants his side to qualify for Europe next season, coach Vincenzo Montella cannot afford to drop points away to Deportivo la Coruna, who in turn know a win would give them a chance of avoiding relegation.
Consecutive wins have taken Deportivo to just five points behind fourth from bottom Levante, who entertain bottom of the table Malaga on Thursday . Malaga would be confirmed as a second division side for next season if they are defeated.
Sixth-placed Villarreal also play on Tuesday and would strengthen their case for a place in Europe next season with a win over Leganes, who have little other than pride at stake. Villarreal drew away to Sevilla at the weekend, but have taken just 7 points from their last six matches.
Real Madrid are in action at home to Athletic Club Bilbao on Wednesday and will expect to beat the out of form Basque side to remain in third place. Fourth placed Valencia are also favorites at home to a rugged Getafe, while Espanyol take on Eibar, who have run out of steam over the past six weeks.
The round of matches finishes with four games on Thursday and Betis should make it six straight wins to cement their position in fifth place at home to struggling Las Palmas, while Girona's European ambitions probably depend on a positive result away to Alaves.
Finally Atletico Madrid travel to face Real Sociedad, who are unbeaten since Imanol took over as coach, in a game where any slip up from Atletico would merely move the title a step closer to Barca.
