Villaflor: What a season

The most thrilling domestic league in memory will be decided on the last day of the season, and the title race has come down to two teams: Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

This La Liga derby is epic in all proportions, not only because the right to be named champions is on the line, but one of the teams is challenging the football establishment anew.

That team is Atletico Madrid, which reached the top of the table standings in early December last year as then league leaders Real Sociedad began its steady decline.

Since then, Atletico has held on to the summit, and at some stage had a double-digit lead over the second placer, a spot that changed hands repeatedly in the course of six months.

With just one match remaining, Atletico (83 points) holds a narrow two-point edge and a three-goal difference over Real Madrid (81 points).

Now at third, Barcelona (76 points) has slipped in its last few matches but is assured of a Champions League spot alongside Sevilla FC (74 points).

But the biggest day of the season will be this Sunday, May 23, when Atletico faces cellar-dweller Real Valladolid (31 points), while Real Madrid seventh-placer Villareal (58 points).

None of these two matches will be easy as much is at stake for all four teams.

Valladolid is fighting for La Liga survival, and must win against Atletico to have a chance at avoiding relegation.

Villareal, on the other hand, needs a solid result to qualify outright for a spot in the Europa League group stage.

Atletico will lift the La Liga trophy with a win against Valladolid.

If Atletico only manages a draw, and Real Madrid wins, giving both teams 84 points apiece, the title race will go down to goal difference.

That means that every goal scored and every goal conceded will be crucial in deciding the champions of La Liga 2020-21.

What a season it has been in Spain.