As La Liga gameweek 36 came to an end, Real Madrid are now a win away from wrestling the league title away from Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are the two other Spanish teams who will play in the Champions League next season, while Villarreal, Real Sociedad, Getafe and Athletic Bilbao are fighting for Europa League qualification.
At the other end of the table, Espanyol are already relegated, with Mallorca and Leganes favourites to join them in the Segunda division next season.
La Liga gameweek 36 results:
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our La Liga Team of the Week for game week 36. The formation used is 4-2-3-1.
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)
The Girona loanee had an outstanding game in the 2-0 win over Mallorca. Yassine Bounou provided an assist in the 84th min, kept a clean sheet, and made the highest number of saves (5) and recoveries (9) in the game.
Right-back: Oscar de Marcos (Athletic Bilbao)
Oscar de Marcos has played a bit-part role for Athletic Bilbao this season as he is now the second-choice right-back behind Ander Cepa at San Mames. However, the 31-year-old grabbed his rare start against Levante with both hands, with the full-back providing two assists in the 2-1 win over Levante to keep Bilbao in the reckoning for Europa League qualification.
Centre-back: Diego Llorente (Real Sociedad)
Diego Llorente has been very solid throughout the season and showed his class once again against an impressive Villarreal side. Diego Llorente scored his first La Liga goal of the campaign which turned out to be the match-winner and managed the second-highest number of passes in the game (49), which Real Sociedad won 2-1.
Centre-back: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Gerard Pique is one of the most consistent defenders in the history of Barcelona. The Spanish World Cup winner had a solid game against Real Valladolid as he helped the Catalan giants to a crucial 1-0 win to keep the pressure on league leaders Real Madrid. Piquer kept a clean sheet, managed the second-highest number of passes (87) and tackles (2) in the game.
Left-back: Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Ferland Mendy, who joined Real Madrid from Lyon last summer, showed his quality in a match-winning display against Granada. The Frenchman broke the deadlock in the 10th minute – his first-ever goal in La Liga – as Los Blancos won the game 2-1 to remain four points clear at the top of the table with just two matchdays remaining.
Defensive midfielder: Arturo Vidal (Barcelona)
Arturo Vidal has turned to be a successful signing for Barcelona after completing his move from Bayern Munchen two seasons back. The Chilean international was at his very best as he dictated the game from a deeper position and scored the only goal of the game against Real Valladolid.
Defensive midfielder: Ruben Perez (Leganes)
The former Spanish Under-20 international scored his first goal of the season which helped Leganes to a shock 1-0 win over Valencia, despite being a man down. Ruben Perez converted a 19th-minute penalty and helped his side to three vital points in the relegation fight. However, Leganes are still i the drop zone with two matches remaining.
Right-winger: Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla)
Lucas Ocampos has surprised everyone with his performances in his debut La Liga season as his consistency ensured Sevilla’s place in the Champions League next season. The former Marseille man scored his 14th league goal of the campaign after converting a penalty just before half-time in the 2-0 win over RCD Mallorca.
Attacking midfielder: Edu Exposito (Eibar)
Edu Exposito is one of the most exciting players to watch out in the Eibar side, which have battled relegation for the majority of the season. The Spaniard played his best game of the campaign in the 2-0 win over Espanyol. Exposito netted a brace to pile more misery on an already-relegated Espanyol team. The win also helped Eibar to preserve their La Liga status.
Left-winger: Enis Bardhi (Levante)
Enis Bardhi is too talented for a team like Levante, and it won’t be long before the North Macedonian joins a better club. The left-winger scored his fifth La Liga goal of the campaign as he tried to help Levante push for a late comeback against Athletic Bilbao, but his efforts went in vain as his side lost 2-1.
Striker: Raul Garcia (Athletic Bilbao)
Raul Garcia is a fine example of a player getting better with age. The former Atletico Madrid man, who is into his 15th season in Spanish top-flight, is enjoying a great campaign in front of goal. Garcia scored a brace to help his side edge out Levante 2-1 as Athletic Bilbao remain in the hunt for Europa League football next season. He has scored 15 goals in the league this season.
Here’s how our La Liga Team of the Week for gameweek 36 would line up:
Also Read: 3 things Barcelona need to do to regain lost glory next season