Europe against salvation

Duel of teams from the upper zone against those from the lower zone. Europe against salvation. Matchday 21 of the Primera Iberdrola closes this Sunday with the dispute of six games, among which stand out the Real Madrid – Espanyol (12:00, Real Madrid TV), Betis – Atlético (13:00, GOAL) and Logroño – Madrid CFF (12:00).

Just three points separate the team of David Aznar, third, from those of Sánchez Vera and Óscar Fernández, in fourth and fifth position. Real Madrid managed to regain the European place by beating Logroño in their last match after having played in Zubieta against Real Sociedad. Thus, pending another possible slip of those of Valdebebas, there are Atlético and Madrid CFF, who will have to do their homework in their respective commitments to be able to continue in the fight for the Champions League.

None will have it easy. Those of Aznar receive a Espanyol that has two consecutive defeats and it is only two points above the descent. The parakeet team needs to score so as not to get into a bigger mess than the current one.

Much more needy is the Logroño, who has not won since last January 27 and is penultimate. Those of Moncayo have 14 points, the same as the bottom Deportivo, so that today, against the vertical Madrid CFF, is practically a life or death clash.

Betis – Atlético will be experienced with the same intensity. The Verdiblancas, with three wins in their last four games, are just one point away from relegation and that gives an extra motivation to a group that with Amorós has recovered the illusion.

And it is that Betis can make it very difficult for an Atlético who is hesitant. The defeat against Chelsea in London after playing with one more from 12 'and missing two penalties hurt a lot. A win in the last four games —Concluding the League and the Champions League— for a rojiblanco team that has to press if it wants to be in the Champions League next season.

Today's matches, matchday 21 of the Primera Iberdrola:

• Real Sociedad – Deportivo (12:00 noon, GOAL).
• Sporting Huelva – Granadilla Tenerife (12:00).
• EDF Logroño – Madrid CFF (12:00).
• Real Madrid – Espanyol (12:00, Real Madrid TV).
• Real Betis – Atlético (13:00, GOAL).
• Rayo Vallecano – Athletic (13:00).