valencia-soccer news

Spanish clubs aim to complete unfinished business

Barcelona have already pocketed the title but there is still unfinished business to be concluded in the Spanish league on Tuesday.

On the eve of Barca's Champions League showdown with Arsenal, four of the top five teams battle it out to decide the minor places in the title race and divide up the remaining European spoils.

Second-placed Real Madrid, only one point ahead of Valencia, need to win their away match with UEFA Cup winners Sevilla to ensure they claim the runners-up spot and the all-important berth in next season's Champions League group stage.

Sevilla have everything to play for as a victory could help them leapfrog Osasuna to finish fourth and snatch a place in the third qualifying round of the money-spinning European competition.

Osasuna, who have only once before finished in the top four, will be defending their position when they host third-placed Valencia in what is guaranteed to be one of the most intense encounters of the season.

Real Madrid head into their game at the Sanchez Pizjuan trying to salvage some pride from yet another disappointing season, their third in a row without winning a major trophy.

"It has been a very complicated year, possibly the worst one of the last three," says club captain Raul.

"There have been changes in the presidency, the sporting directors and the coaching staff this season and now there is going to be a presidential election.