Weekend of goodbyes as Spanish La Liga Santander draws to an end

Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-17 19:37:12|Editor: Li Xia
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MADRID, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Liga Santander ends this weekend with a final round of matches with nothing other than pride to play for. But although we already know who won the title, qualified for Europe and went down a peg, there should still be some strong emotions ahead.

Barca's shock 5-4 defeat to Levante last weekend means this season's Champions lost their chance to go an entire campaign without a defeat, while Sunday's rivals Real Sociedad paid an emotive homage to retiring captain Xabi Prieto and defender Carlos Martinez in the Anoeta Stadium last weekend.

Sunday's game at home to Real Sociedad will be Andres Iniesta's last for the club and his final moments on the Camp Nou pitch will probably be the highlight of the weekend.

Barca kick off after Atletico Madrid's home game against Eibar finishes. That too will be a mixture of celebration and sadness as the newly crowned Europa League Champions parade their trophy, while saying 'goodbye' to club legend Fernando Torres, who will make his last appearance in red and white.

Other goodbyes see Asier Garitano's last game as Leganes coach when his side entertain Betis. Garitano leaves the club after taking them from the Segunda B to the Liga Santander and establishing them in the top flight.

Central defender Martin Mantovani also leaves Leganes after being the director of the orchestra during their incredible climb up the leagues.

There will be fewer celebrations as Juan Carlos Unzue bows out as Celta boss with a home game against Levante, who have won 8 out of their last 10 matches. Although there is nothing official about Unzue's future, he will not continue after a season which at times promised, but ultimately failed to deliver.

A disappointing campaign in San Mames means Jose Angel Ziganda is in charge for the last time as Athletic Club Bilbao entertain Espanyol, whose temporary coach David Gallego can be a happy man after three wins and a draw in four matches.

Meanwhile Joaqun Caparros ends a brief, but successful return to Sevilla after two wins and a draw guided them into the Europa League.

Sevilla play Alaves, who have taken 41 points from 25 games under the guidance of Abelardo Fernandez.

Elsewhere, already relegated Malaga play Getafe, while Las Palmas finish their disappointing season at home to Girona, whose coach Pablo Machin has been talked of as a possible successor to Caparros at Sevilla.

Finally Real Madrid will warm up for next weekend's Champions League final away to Villarreal.

Zinedine Zidane will give at least an hour to Cristiano Ronaldo to ensure he is a sharp as possible for Kiev, while Luka Modric will probably get a rest. Maybe the most interesting thing is whether or not Gareth Bale will start after his two goals against Celta last weekend and pundits will scan the Madrid starting 11 for any hints of who will start and (who won't) in the big game against Liverpool.

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