Matchday 36 of La Liga delivered a series of thrilling encounters, with Celta Vigo suffering a surprising home loss, Real Betis clinching a UEFA Champions League berth, and Atletico Madrid grinding out a hard-fought victory.
Celta Vigo endured a stunning 2-3 defeat at home against relegation-threatened Levante. The hosts started brightly, with Hugo Álvarez setting up Jutglà for an early fourth-minute goal. However, Ariaga equalized in the 43rd minute. Just three minutes into the second half, Jutglà struck again to restore Celta’s lead, but Dra Fuente quickly leveled the score after another assist from Ariaga. Brégy then completed the comeback with a goal in the 63rd minute, leaving Celta unable to find an equalizer. The loss dashed Celta’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Real Betis secured a 2-1 home victory over Elche, confirming their place in next season’s Champions League. Cucho Hernández opened the scoring with a low drive from the edge of the box in the 8th minute. Elche equalized through Héctor Fort in the 41st minute, but Betis was reduced to ten men when Petro received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge in the 49th minute. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Fornals unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 68th minute to seal the win. With a seven-point lead over seventh-placed Celta and only two games remaining, Betis mathematically secured the final Champions League spot.
Atletico Madrid battled to a 2-1 away win over Osasuna in a match that saw them dominate despite being outshot. Lukman converted an early penalty to give Atletico the lead. Sørloth doubled the advantage with a header in the 71st minute. However, Llorente was sent off in the 79th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a foul, leaving Atletico with ten men. In stoppage time, Barja pulled one back for Osasuna with a turning shot, but it was too little, too late. Atletico emerged victorious despite having only five shots compared to Osasuna’s 23.
In the league standings, champions Barcelona top the table with 91 points. Real Madrid sit second with 77 points, followed by Villarreal in third with 69 points. Atletico’s win moves them to 66 points in fourth place. Real Betis are fifth with 57 points, securing the final Champions League berth due to Spain’s five allocated spots for the competition. Celta Vigo remain sixth with 50 points.