There are several heavyweightbattles coming up in Matchday35 of the 2021/22 LaLiga Santander season, including the second Madrid Derby of the campaign. In just one weekend, football fans can savour Real Betis hosting Barcelona just as Villarreal CF entertain Sevilla.

The much anticipated Madrid derby will see Atltico Madrid will be at home to champions Real Madrid, with all six of those teams currently inside the top seven in the standings.

That means theyre all currently on course for European qualification, so will be fighting to stay there and book the most prestigious UEFA ticket possible.

The first game of Saturday is another huge one in its own right, as RCD Mallorca host Granada CF for a relegation six-pointer.

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Both teams have changed their coach in the past few weeks, with Javier Aguirre coming in on the island and Aitor Karanka taking over the Granada CF hotseat. Each has already made a positive impact and will be battling for the three points at the Visit Mallorca Estadi.

Several other intriguing fixtures follow on Saturday afternoon. Athletic Club coach Marcelino takes on his former side Valencia CF at San Mams as those two historic clubs aim to finish as high as possible.

In Vigo, RC Celta will host Deportivo Alavs as the Basque side look to keep their slim survival hopes alive. Theres also Cdiz CF vs Elche CF, an extra special fixture for striker Lucas Prez given that he switched from the Franjiverdes to the Amarillos in January.

On Saturday night comes the first of the weekends top-of-the-table clashes as Real Betis take on FC Barcelona at what promises to be an electric Estadio Benito Villamarn, as this will be the Verdiblancos first home match since winning the Copa del Rey.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini has urged his players to keep battling for a potential Champions League qualification spot, making this duel with a direct rival for a top four berth so important.

Sunday is Madrid Derby day, yet its not only Atleti and Real Madrid wholl face off. Before that, Getafe CF take on fellow Madrid side Rayo Vallecano in the first fixture of the day. It was in the reverse fixture that Radamel Falcao made his Franjirrojo debut earlier in the season, coming off the bench to score a goal.

Villarreal CF vs Sevilla FC and RCD Espanyol vs CA Osasuna follow on Sunday afternoon, with the first of these fixtures having major implications in the race for Europe.

Unai Emerys squad will want to ensure they have continental competition again next season, following this years incredible run, while Sevilla FC want to qualify for the Champions League for a third season in a row, and also the Spanish Super Cup.

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