La Liga - Who will be playing in Europe next season?

Well, it’s towards the middle of the season and with Real Madrid five points ahead of Barcelona and nine points ahead of Valencia, it seems for some that the aspiration to win the League title is over. “Dream teams” like Malaga are no long focused on winning the league title (or the Copa del Rey for that matter, after the 3-2 comeback from Real Madrid.)

Instead, some teams are hoping for a spot in the Europa or Champions League. Right now, some of the teams in the positions which they are in, is a little surprising. Currently in position for Champions League positions are Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, respectively. For Champions League qualifiers the Valencia based team, Levante, are the surprising squad. For the Europa League, Osasuna and Malaga are in position.

This has been surprising considering the fact that Champions and Europa League regulars, Villarreal, are no longer in the running or even hopeful to land those positions. Actually, Villarreal are in a position to get relegated this year.

However, this isn’t the end of the campaign for some. From positions four to nine on the League Chart, there are only seven points. Teams still to be considered for the Champions League include Espanyol, Sevilla, and Atletico Madrid. However, only time will tell who will fill those positions. But for me, I have my own personal beliefs who will take the positions.

I will now determine my positions.

1. Real Madrid

Consider me biased, but I am behind Real Madrid to take the first position this season. Despite the fact that Messi won the Ballon d’Or, I still believe that Real Madrid are the better team. This isn’t a time to speculate why, but with Cristiano, Higuain, and Benzema all in the running to win the Pichichi this year, the idea of not scoring enough goals is hard to believe. Even if they lose both matches to Barcelona in the League, I guarantee they will still take the title.

2. Barcelona

Never take them out of the running; the team is legendary and will surely do well in the Champions League. But with injuries, such as David Villa, and a whole group of individuals trying to make a name for themselves for their future, Alexis Sanchez, Isaac Cuenca, and Pedro Rodriguez, I really think personal issues will tear the team apart from gaining another La Liga title. Victor Valdes has been prone to make simple mistakes, which is why he isn’t the starting keeper for Spain.

3. Valencia

I understand that my top three teams haven’t changed, but Valencia have a magnificent team this year. Roberto Soldado is gaining better skill with each year. I believe that Real Madrid will regret letting him go in a year or two. In addition to Soldado, Jonas, Mathieu, Guaita, and Ever Banega are just a few of the talented names to come up for Valencia. Valencia have really shown their stride lately. Recently, they came back to draw a match 2-2 after being down 2-0 in the 40’ of a game against rivals, Villarreal. Valencia have also shown Sevilla that they are not to be underestimated, by taking a 1-0 victory against them.

Valencia were unfortunate not to advance in the Champions League, due to an early draw against Racing Genk. But beyond that and their defeat to Chelsea, this Valencia side has shown that within a year or two, they will be in the running for the title. However, Valencia have made their mistakes, especially letting youth talent, Isco, head to the Man City of Spain, Malaga.

4. Levante

Levante really are desperate to prove themselves. Last year, a win against Barcelona was declared luck. But Levante really proved that it wasn’t luck. The team has been building itself up with former Spanish internationals and many young players. They didn’t go about the same route as Malaga, who bought expensive and well-known players.

Instead, they picked up players who were long forgotten or had yet to be discovered. Making many transfers and picking up players everywhere in Spain, Levante have proved themselves to be the new team of Catalonia. I am expecting to see a hell of a game against Valencia. Levante will surely grab some attention and some new fans with their recently acquired success.

5. Malaga

They’re just too good to put down. Malaga is the Man City of Spanish football. Bringing names like Santi Cazorla, Van Nistelrooy, Isco, Joaquin, Demichelis, and many more talents to the new seat of football in the South of Spain has only gained a lot of attention. The people of Malaga are in love with the rejuvenation of their city’s team. Manuel Pellegrini and Fernando Hierro were also brought aboard to help build the team. They are looking for a future and I believe that they have found it.

I don’t think they’re at the level to start competing for La Liga title, but they are prepared to battle for the third and fourth spots. I don’t think it’s their season to take a Champions League spot, but they sure as hell are going to fight for it. I’m impressed with the sense of team the players have built already. I will be sure to see them place fifth.

6. Espanyol

The final team to place for Europa League is definitely, in my opinion, Espanyol. The Barcelona based team lately has shown that they are in contention for the position. The team has a tradition of producing its own players (which sometimes Barcelona happens to acquire.) But besides that, the team has a young team that was able to recently draw a strong FC Barcelona side.

Players like Verdu, Thievy, S. Garcia, and Alvaro Vasquez have only proven that they are able to score goals and have a strong attacking midfield. The most important games will definitely be against midlevel teams. Espanyol can afford to lose games against stronger teams, but since they have drawn against Barcelona, it is looking hopeful for them. But honestly, if they can manage to win or draw against midlevel teams, it is definitely possible.

Written by Alex BillyFollow him on Twitter @builtbilly