The Campeonato Nacional de Liga de Primera División aka La Liga is one of the most prestigious leagues in the entire world. In our expanded soccer coverage, we breakdown the latest in La Liga! Social Mike lists the Champions League qualifiers, Europa League qualifiers, and a couple clubs that are close. Enjoy! 

Previous: Gameweek 17

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Power Rankings

UEFA Champions League Qualifiers

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1. Barcelona – 43 pts (Previous: 1)

As mentioned in my previous La Liga rankings, once Barcelona got into 1st place there was no looking back. They are 5 points clear and with a matchup against 13th place Leganes, Barca can pretty much chalk up these 3 points as well and see if Atl. Madrid can play keep up. #viscabarca

_{Next Match: Sun, 1/20 @ Leganes}

2. Atlético Madrid – 38 pts (Prev: 3)

Down only 5 points from the top spot, Atl. Madrid keeps themselves in the race, help seems to be on its way as rumors have it Alvaro Morata is willing to take a pay cut to join los Colchoneros. If Morata does indeed make the move to Atl. Madrid it will only help the process of trying to catch Barcelona as they have been the only real threat so far this season.

_{Next Match: Sat, 1/19 vs Huesca}

Breaking: (on 01/16/19 reporter Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Morata is on his way to Atl. Madrid)

3. Sevilla – 31 pts (Prev: 2)

Sevilla has left points on the table all season long, and is now at risk of losing a qualifying spot in the Champions League. Now they have a crucial matchup vs Real Madrid, where the outcome will determine if they keep the 3rd spot or drop to 4th. Expectations are they’ll be in 4th after this weekend, with hopes of the Champions League likely over.

_{Next Match: Sat, 1/19 vs Real Madrid}

4. Real Madrid – 33 pts (Prev: 4)

This season hasn’t gone quite Real’s way, even with that being the case they find themselves tied for 3rd with 33point and the difference in goals currently placing them in 4th. They have a matchup with that very same team they are tied with Sevilla, so Real should look to solidify themselves in 3rd, and lock in another Champions League spot along the way.

_{Next Match: Sat, 1/19 @ Sevilla}

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Stoppage Time

Europa League Qualifiers

1 Deporivo Alavés (32 pts, 5th in La Liga)
Alaves are in the position to move back into the top 4 of La Liga, as they still hope on obtaining a spot in the Champions League. A battle between 5th vs 6th takes place as Getafe looks to play spoiler.

_{Next Game: Sun, 1/20 @ Ath. Bilbao}

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2 Getafe CF (28 pts, 6th in La Liga)
Getafe is currently in 6th place in the standings, and they have a tough task ahead as they get Deportivo Alavés. In what should be a good matchup, the best result for both teams is a draw, but we will see who comes out on top.

_{Next Game: Fri, 1/18 @ Alavés}

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3 Real Betis (26 pts, 7th in La Liga)
Having dropped 2 of their last 3 matches in La Liga, Betis are still in the hunt for a Europa League spot as well as jumping into 6th in the standings. Big matchup against 9th place Girona, dropping points here can complicate things for any European competition hopes.

_{Next Game: Sun, 1/20 @ Girona}

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Club	MP	W	D	L	Pts
1. Barcelona ⇳	19	13	4	2	43
2. Atlético Madrid ⇧	19	10	8	1	38
3. Sevilla ⇩	19	9	6	4	33
4. Real Madrid ⇳	19	10	3	6	33
5. Alavés ⇧	19	9	5	5	32
6. Gatafe CF ⇧	19	7	5	7	28
7. Real Betis ⇩	16	6	6	4	26
8. Real Sociedad ⇧	19	7	4	8	25
9. Girona ⇧	19	5	9	5	24
10. Espanyol ⇧	19	5	9	5	24

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Thanks for reading! – Social Mike