On Saturday, May 14, Granada CF hosts FC Barcelona in the final game of the Spanish Primera Liga 15/16 season. The game will be played at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes in the city of Granada, and will kick off at 16:00 BST.
The home side is currently 16th on the league table with 39 points from 37 games, while the visitors are at the summit of the league, with 88 points from 37 games.
A win for the underdogs can go as high as 13th place with a win in this game, while a defeat by a large enough margin could send them spiraling to 18th place if other results against them. A win for the favorites will see them retain their top spot, while a defeat can see them end the season in 2nd place.
Granada secure safetyGranada secured their league status with their win over Sevilla last week. They are 3 points ahead of the teams immediately behind them, but have a better head to head, and as such are safe from relegation.
The Nazaries, managed by Jose Gonzalez, are in good form, with three wins and two defeats in their last five games. These wins were in the league against Levante (5-1 on April 21), Las Palmas (3-2 on April 30), and Sevilla (1-4 on May 8).
The 16th placed team however suffered defeat at the hands of Athletico Madrid (3-0 on April 17), and Celta de Vigo (2-1 on April 25).
Barcelona one win away from titleBarcelona are in a two way duel with their fierce rivals Real Madrid for the league title. The league leaders recovered from their run of bad results just in time to hold on to top spot in the title race. They are currently 1 point ahead of their Madrid rivals and will wrap up the title with a win in this game.
The league leaders, managed by Luis Enrique are in very good form, with four wins and one defeat in their last five games in all competitions. These wins were in consecutive league games against Deportivo la Coruna (0-8 on April 20), Sporting Gijon (6-0 on April 23), Real Betis (0-2 on April 30), and Espanyol (5-0 on May 8).
The only recent defeat for the Catalans was the league defeat at the hands of Valencia (1-2 on April 17).
Youssef El Arabi has been in very good form for the hosts this season, bagging 16 goals in 34 league games, and he will be looking to find the back of the net again against their much fancied rivals. Barcelona will be counting on the experience of seasoned title winners like Lionel Messi, Andreas Iniesta, Daniel Alves, Gerard Pique and co to help the team cope with the pressure and deliver yet another league title with a win in this game.
Granada come up against a Barcelona game that have scored 21 goals and conceded none in their last four outings. Barcelona will be looking to win this game by any means possible, and I don’t see Granada stopping them. Barcelona to win this game to seal the title.
