Five clubs who could deny Barcelona a top-four place in La Liga
Barcelona’s 18-year run of finishing in the top four is under serious threat. Planet Sport looks at five clubs who could pinch their Champions League spot.
La Liga, like many of its European neighbours, has become too predictable. Season after season, year after year, fans witness the same old clubs win trophies and bag coveted European positions.
However, the status quo is being threatened and the club that is at serious risk of losing their stranglehold on the division is Barcelona.
The last few days, in particular, have been torrid for the Catalonian giants. A loss in El Classico saw a furious reaction from fans who mobbed Ronald Koeman's car in the aftermath.
There are also squad issues with Ousmane Dembele looking at the exit door and teenage star Pedri set to miss the next month due to injury.
Barca are currently languishing half-way down the La Liga table with the gap between them and the top four growing.
It does mean the race to finish in those Champions League places could be one of the most exciting in years.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are likely to take the top two positions. The other two though, appear to be up for grabs.
Planet Sport takes a look at the potential challengers.
Real Sociedad
Last season's finish: 5th
Sociedad climbed to the top in the early weeks of the season before gradually sliding down to a fifth-placed finish.
Alguacil does have some talented names in his squad but he's also lacking depth. Alexander Isak, David Silva, Alexander Sorloth and Mikel Oyarzabal are all high-quality players, but they're also a nightmare to replace should they suffer any injuries.
Sevilla
Last season's finish: 4th
Odds to finish top four this season: 4/9
Sevilla have been a whisker behind the giants of Spanish soccer for a number of years now.
The former Spain manager has assembled a team that has the perfect mix of youth and experience. What's more, the last two years have proved that this is a team more than capable of juggling European and domestic duties.
If you're looking for a top-four contender, Sevilla should be at the top of your list.
Athletic Bilbao
Last season's finish: 10th
Odds to finish top four this season: 6/1
Athletic Bilbao were well off the pace last season, finishing 10th - a massive 31 points behind the top four.
Then again, it's better to have a problem with draws instead of defeats.
The club have been able to assemble a strong side which is without doubt capable of challenging for big things this season. That's despite Bilbao's cantera transfer policy, which restricts them from signing foreign players.
Athletic may be the dark horse of this list, but unlike their rivals, they don't have the added burden of European games to contend with. That could give them a slight edge over the likes of Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Real Betis.
Villarreal
Last season's finish: 7th
Odds to finish top four this season: 8/1
Unlike everyone else on this list, Villarreal have endured a rotten start to the season.
Unai Emery's side have won just two of their 11 La Liga games this season - a run that has seen them drop to mid-table.
Goals have since returned but new issues have come to light - mainly defensive ones. Emery's men have conceded seven goals in their last three games as their stuttering start to the season continues.
The question is, should Villarreal be dismissed as top-four challengers? Absolutely not.
Real Betis
Last season's finish: 6th
Top four finishes in last 10 years: 0
Odds to finish top four this season: 10/1
Before Manuel Pellegrini arrived at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, Real Betis had finished 15th in the league - five spots down on the season prior.
The former Manchester City boss quickly got to work and the improvements in his first year were clear for all to see.
For the third time in 13 La Liga seasons, Betis finished the campaign with 15-plus victories under their belt. It was a haul that helped them to a memorable sixth-placed finish.