Rayo Vallecano progress keeps LaLiga’s fifth Champions League spot alive, for now | OneFootball

A Vallecas rout kept Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League despite a 3-1 defeat in Athens. Strasbourg knocked out Mainz in the Europa League. According to Superdeporte, both results feed into LaLiga’s tussle with the Bundesliga for a fifth Champions League place.

UEFA’s ranking secures one extra berth for the Premier League, with a second within reach for Spain and Germany. The gap is 191 points and two clubs from each league remain: Atlético de Madrid and Rayo, Bayern de Múnich and Friburgo. Friburgo eliminated Celta de Vigo, and Braga’s comeback over Betis prevented a semi-final between them.

In the Champions League, Atlético face Arsenal. Diego Simeone’s side are not playing for anything in LaLiga, so they are expected to again field many reserves and academy players in domestic games. Arsenal lead the Premier League with Guardiola’s team close behind.

Mikel Arteta has felt the absence of Mikel Merino. Arsenal went out in the FA Cup quarter-finals and lost the EFL Cup final. Their level against the Spaniards in the semi-finals remains to be seen. Bayern will meet PSG, and Luis Enrique’s team are chasing back-to-back titles.

In the Europa League, Friburgo play Braga, a Portuguese win would suit LaLiga’s interests. The other side of the draw features Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. In the Conference League, Rayo will face Strasbourg and Crystal Palace meet Shakhtar, and it is important for LaLiga that Iñigo Pérez’s side reach the final.

Source: Superdeporte