Fri May 16 14:55:25 2008

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Attention shifts to relegation battle in Spain

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - With Real Madrid having already clinched a second consecutive La Liga title, Villarreal being locked into second place, and Barcelona occupying a Champions League spot along with Atletico Madrid, all of the drama on the final day in Spain will come down to the final relegation spot.

Real Murcia and Levante are already headed down, but there are four teams separated by just two points for the final relegation place.

Real Zaragoza, Recreativo, Osasuna, and Real Valladolid will all be looking for big wins on Sunday to help themselves secure top-flight soccer for next season.

Zaragoza currently sits in the final relegation spot and the team will have its hands full when they travel to Mallorca, which is chasing a UEFA Cup place.

Osasuna is one point ahead of Zaragoza and also faces a UEFA Cup team in Racing, which can clinch its first-ever appearance in Europe with a win. However the biggest game of the day is likely to be Valladolid's trip to Recreativo.

Valladolid is one point clear of Recreativo, meaning a draw would be enough for them to secure safety.

Recreativo will be searching for all three points at home, but they could still get help if either Zaragoza or Osasuna stumbles.

Zaragoza has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. They were expected to be a team that challenged for a top-four spot, but instead they have been through three coaching changes and have not won on the road since October.

Osasuna is also a team that many expected to finish in the top half after advancing to the semifinals of the UEFA Cup last season.

Champions Real Madrid will close out the season against last-place Levante, while Villarreal travels to Deportivo.

Barcelona finishes up a disappointing campaign at relegation-bound Murcia in the lone game on Saturday, Atletico Madrid invades Valencia, which earned a European spot by winning the Copa del Rey, and fifth-place Sevilla, already assured of a berth in the UEFA Cup, hosts Athletic Bilbao.

Real Betis travels to Getafe and Espanyol plays host to Almeria.