Valencia seek perfect end to remarkable recovery

Valencia lost to Arsenal in the Europa League semi-finals but hold pole position for La Liga’s last Champions League spot as the race for the top four reaches its climax today.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hat-trick ended Valencia’s hopes of qualifying by lifting a trophy and their chances looked slim in the league too, when they trailed Getafe by three points ahead of the penultimate weekend.

But a 3-1 win over Alaves, combined with Getafe losing away to a wounded Barcelona, means it is Valencia with their fate in their own hands, as they prepare to face Real Valladolid at Jose Zorrilla.

A superior head-to-head over Getafe means they need only match the result of Jose Bordelas’ side, who host a Villarreal team sitting 14th and with little left to play for.

Yet Valladolid’s position appears in Valencia’s favour too. Victory away at Rayo Vallecano last weekend means their safety is already secured.

Win, and Valencia will be guaranteed Champions League football in consecutive seasons for the first time in seven years, a feat that not too long ago seemed almost unthinkable.

Sevilla, lying sixth, need to win at home to in-form Athletic Bilbao today and both Valencia and Getafe to lose.

Valencia’s decision to persevere may be about to pay off, a top-four finish the perfect boost ahead of the Copa del Rey final on May 25 against Barcelona, who will be without Luis Suarez and perhaps goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

For Getafe, the Europa League would be a disappointment, even for a team who were promoted to the top flight only two years ago and whose annual wage bill is more than ten times less than Real Madrid, the club they hope to finish one place behind.

Getafe have a chance, which is perhaps more than can be said for Girona, whose players and coach Eusebio Sacristan conceded their loss at home to Levante last weekend had been decisive in the fight against relegation.

They are 18th, needing to make up three points and a six-goal deficit in goal difference to overtake Celta Vigo on the final day.

Celta have the added advantage of hosting already-relegated Rayo Vallecano while Girona play at Alaves.

Barcelona’s title-winning campaign will end away at Eibar tomorrow just as Real Madrid’s miserable season finishes at home to Real Betis.