LaLiga EA Sports season run-in: Three teams level on 44 points, on the brink of Europe

As the season reaches its business end, there are many clubs dreaming of European qualification.

The European race in LaLiga EA Sports is absolutely fascinating this season, with so many teams involved and with eight European tickets confirmed, thanks to Spanish clubs’ performance in Uefa competitions this season.

Here, we analyse each club jostling for position in this European race, from fourth-placed Athletic Club down to 11th-placed Real Sociedad.

Athletic Club (4th, 61 points)

At one point earlier in the season, it looked like Athletic Club could even enter the LaLiga EA Sports title race. Now, though, their focus is on holding on to fourth place, with the Basques seeking their first top-four finish in over a decade.

That would bring with it a return to the Champions League, as would finishing fifth. Plus, supporters in Bilbao also know that Champions League football could be secured by winning the Europa League, with this year’s final being held in the Basque city.

Remaining fixtures: Deportivo Alavés (H), Getafe CF (A), Valencia CF (A), FC Barcelona (H)

Villarreal CF (5th, 58 points)

Villarreal CF have won two matches in a row, and have recovered fifth place, the final Champions League spot. They are the third-top scorers in the competition and look like they can bag a goal whenever they need one. Marcelino has led El Submarino Amarillo to Champions League qualification once before, during his previous stint at the club, and will hope to do so once again.

Remaining fixtures: Girona FC (A), CD Leganés (H), FC Barcelona (A), Sevilla FC (H)

Real Betis (6th, 57 points)

Real Betis have been one of the very best teams in LaLiga EA Sports since the start of 2025, thanks to the return of Isco from injury and the winter signings of Antony and Cucho Hernández. Los Verdiblancos are involved in a fascinating battle with Villarreal CF to try to finish in fifth, and to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2005/06.

Remaining fixtures: CA Osasuna (H), Rayo Vallecano (A), Atlético de Madrid (A), Valencia CF (H)

RC Celta (7th, 46 points)

In recent years, RC Celta were usually involved in the relegation battle at this stage of the season. It’s a very different situation this campaign, though, with coach Claudio Giráldez having done a terrific job so far. RC Celta boast the fifth-best home record in the division, but they might need to start winning on the road too if they’re to finish the season in a European spot.

Remaining fixtures: Sevilla FC (H), Real Sociedad (A), Rayo Vallecano (H), Getafe CF (A)

Rayo Vallecano (8th, 44 points)

Fans of Rayo Vallecano have dreamed of European qualification on occasion over the past few seasons, and they still have a chance. However, they capital city club have secured just two victories from the past 11 LaLiga EA Sports matchdays, and they’ve scored just nine goals in that run. They’ll need goals if they are to move up the table. Currently eighth, they hold the final European spot.

Remaining fixtures: UD Las Palmas (A), Real Betis (H), RC Celta (A), RCD Mallorca (H)

CA Osasuna (9th, 44 points)

Having achieved three wins in a row, before losing last matchday, CA Osasuna had climbed up the table in recent weeks and are now a serious contender to qualify for Europe as well. In his first season in the dugout, new coach Vicente Moreno has done an excellent job and the team is winning matches, led by striker Ante Budimir, who is the third-top scorer in the entire division.

Remaining fixtures: Real Betis (A), Atlético de Madrid (H), RCD Espanyol (H), Deportivo Alavés (A)

RCD Mallorca (10th, 44 points)

When RCD Mallorca signed Jagoba Arrasate as their new coach last summer, the hope was that he would take the island club to the next level. And, that might mean taking Los Bermellones to Europe. Arrasate recently led CA Osasuna back into Europe after a long absence and he hopes to do the same for RCD Mallorca, who haven’t played on the continent since 2003/04.

Remaining fixtures: Real Valladolid (H), Real Madrid (A), Getafe CF (H), Rayo Vallecano (A)

Real Sociedad (11th, 43 points)

Real Sociedad have qualified for Europe in each of the past five seasons, but they’re at risk of missing out this time around. Having been inconsistent all season and having suffered 15 losses already, the fourth-most in the division, La Real will need a strong end to the season if they’re to qualify for Europe once again.

Remaining fixtures: Atlético de Madrid (A), RC Celta (H), Girona FC (H), Real Madrid (A)