With the 2025-26 season winding down, the fight for survival in La Liga remains fiercely unpredictable, especially after the results of Tuesday’s Matchday 36 fixtures. The clashes between Celta Vigo and Levante in Vigo, and Real Betis against Elche in Seville, dramatically reshaped the relegation landscape. Later, Osasuna faced Atletico Madrid in Pamplona, though that match had a lesser immediate impact on the bottom of the table. While the standings are now highly chaotic, it’s important to note that 14 teams have yet to play their Matchday 36 games.
On Wednesday, May 13, the action continues with Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal vs Sevilla at 19:00, followed by Alaves vs Barcelona and Getafe vs Mallorca at 21:00. Thursday will see the remaining fixtures: Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano (19:00), Girona vs Real Sociedad (20:00), and Real Madrid vs Real Oviedo (21:00).
In the relegation scrap, Levante secured a vital breakthrough, edging out Celta Vigo 3-2 away at Balaidos, effectively ending the hosts’ hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The result was immensely valuable for Levante, who temporarily climbed to 39 points, one above the drop zone, though they have played one game more than most rivals. Girona, meanwhile, find themselves in the relegation zone with 39 points, equal on points with Levante but yet to play their Matchday 36 match.
Elche suffered a setback at the Estadio de la Cartuja, losing 2-1 to Real Betis. Despite remaining on 39 points and outside the relegation places, they have now played one game more than many competitors. Conversely, Betis enjoyed a historic night: with this victory, Manuel Pellegrini’s side secured their first Champions League qualification in 21 years.
Real Oviedo became the first team officially relegated. After Girona snatched a stoppage-time draw at Vallecas on Monday, Oviedo, with 29 points from 35 games, were condemned to the second division. That leaves two relegation spots still to be decided, with the tension now so high that even casual observers are drawn in.
Alaves and Girona occupy the relegation places with 37 and 39 points respectively, both with their Matchday 36 match still to play. Alaves host newly-crowned champions Barcelona at Mendizorrotza, while Girona welcome Real Sociedad to Montilivi. Real Sociedad, currently eighth, have little left to play for after securing a Europa League spot by winning the Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid.
The true chaos lies just above Girona: Espanyol, Levante, Mallorca, and Elche are all on 39 points, but with varying numbers of games played. Sevilla, with 40 points and also yet to play Matchday 36, remain in deep trouble. Even Valencia (42 points, one game fewer) and Osasuna (42 points) could still be dragged into the danger zone.
Detailed breakdown of each relegation-threatened team’s situation:
– Osasuna: 42 points
– Valencia: 42 points (one game less)
– Sevilla: 40 points (still to play Matchday 36)
– Elche: 39 points (one game more)
– Mallorca: 39 points
– Levante: 39 points (one game more)
– Espanyol: 39 points
– Girona: 39 points (in relegation zone)
– Alaves: 37 points (in relegation zone)
The question of which teams will drop to the Segunda Division will be answered soon.
