A detailed breakdown of the 2025 La Liga relegation battle, key struggling teams, survival chances, and what it means for the league’s future.
Introduction: The Fight for Survival Intensifies
While the top of the La Liga table grabs headlines with title races and European ambitions, the battle at the bottom is often just as gripping—if not more. As we enter the final stages of the 2024/25 season, a handful of teams are desperately fighting to avoid the dreaded drop to Segunda División.
The La Liga relegation scrap this year is more competitive than ever. Clubs with proud histories are now flirting with disaster, while newly promoted sides are proving they won’t go down without a fight. In this article, we dive deep into the numbers, performances, and outlooks for the bottom-half contenders in the EW8 league, examining who could fall, who might survive, and why relegation matters more than ever.
The Structure: How Relegation Works in La Liga
Before we break down the teams involved, let’s clarify the system:
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Bottom three teams (18th to 20th place) are automatically relegated to Segunda División.
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The top two teams from Segunda get promoted, while the third spot is determined by a playoff between teams placed 3rd to 6th.
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Relegation impacts not just league status, but club finances, squad retention, and long-term planning.
With just a few matches left, every point matters more than ever for those trapped in the bottom tier of the league table.
Key Relegation Candidates: Who’s at Risk?
1. Cádiz CF
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Current position: 19th
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Points: 24
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Goal difference: -27
Cádiz have struggled all season to score goals and maintain a solid defense. Despite flashes of brilliance at home, their away record is one of the worst in the league. The squad lacks depth, and injuries to key defenders have made survival an uphill task. Their fate might be sealed unless they pull off a miracle in their remaining fixtures.
2. Almería
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Current position: 20th
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Points: 21
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Goal difference: -31
Bottom of the table and with the lowest number of wins, Almería have looked out of sorts all season. Despite a managerial change mid-season, the team continues to leak goals and fail to convert chances. They might already be preparing for life in the second tier.
3. Granada CF
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Current position: 18th
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Points: 26
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Goal difference: -23
Granada’s return to La Liga hasn’t gone to plan. Despite some competitive performances, consistency has eluded them. Their reliance on a few individual performers has left them vulnerable, and their upcoming fixtures include matches against top-half clubs, making their survival even tougher.
Hovering Above: Still in Danger
4. Celta Vigo
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Current position: 17th
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Points: 29
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Goal difference: -14
Celta Vigo are narrowly above the drop zone, but poor form has seen them dragged into the battle. With a shaky defense and inconsistent midfield, they’ll need experienced players to step up. Matches against direct relegation rivals could be decisive.
5. Rayo Vallecano
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Current position: 16th
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Points: 30
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Goal difference: -12
Rayo’s attacking philosophy has brought them success in recent seasons, but this year, their lack of balance is hurting them. While still outside the bottom three, a string of poor results could pull them deep into the relegation battle.
6. Mallorca
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Current position: 15th
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Points: 32
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Goal difference: -10
Mallorca seem safe on paper, but with difficult fixtures coming up, they can’t afford to slip. Their home form is decent, but away struggles and a lack of squad depth could put them in jeopardy.
What’s at Stake: Financial and Sporting Impact
Relegation from La Liga doesn’t just mean a change in competition level—it carries severe financial and strategic consequences:
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Broadcast Revenue Loss: Clubs lose a significant portion of TV money.
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Player Departures: Star players often seek transfers to remain in top leagues.
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Sponsorship Drop: Reduced visibility impacts commercial deals.
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Fan Engagement: Attendance and merchandise sales often take a hit.
For smaller clubs, relegation could mean years of rebuilding, while for others, it could signal a complete reset of their footballing philosophy.
X-Factors: What Could Decide the Battle?
1. Head-to-Head Clashes
Matches between relegation-threatened teams become six-pointers. Cádiz vs. Granada or Rayo vs. Celta could determine final standings.
2. Managerial Experience
Experienced coaches who’ve been through relegation battles before often know how to grind out results. Teams with stable leadership have a slight edge.
3. Momentum
A single win can spark confidence. Conversely, a bad run could sink a team with potential. Watch for late-season streaks.
4. Goal Difference
When points are tight, goal difference often determines final positions. Teams must not only aim to win but also manage damage in defeats.
Predictions: Who Might Go Down?
Based on current form, squad strength, and remaining fixtures:
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Most Likely to Be Relegated: Almería, Cádiz
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Toss-Up for the Third Spot: Granada or Celta Vigo
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Safe but Not Secure: Rayo, Mallorca
However, in La Liga’s unpredictable nature, even a team five points above the zone can find themselves sinking fast.
Relegation and the Health of the League
It’s easy to view relegation as purely negative, but it also ensures competitiveness and accountability. Clubs must build sustainable squads, develop youth, and manage finances carefully. The relegation system pushes clubs to evolve, benefiting the league’s overall quality and integrity.
Conclusion: A Battle That Defines Character
As the 2024/25 La Liga season draws to a close, the relegation battle promises drama, heartbreak, and moments of triumph. For the teams involved, it’s more than just survival—it’s about pride, history, and the future.
The pressure is enormous, but so are the stakes. From passionate fanbases to last-minute goals, the relegation scrap brings out the rawest emotions in football. These are the stories that make the league captivating—not just at the top, but deep down at the bottom.
Support your team. Support the drama. Support the league.
Because football isn’t just about lifting trophies—it’s also about the fight to stay alive.