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Sports

Barca close out the season against Malaga

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona will close out its title-winning La Liga season at Camp Nou against Malaga on Sunday.

The Catalans clinched the title back on May 11 when Real Madrid was held to a draw by Espanyol, but they still will have a bit on the line in the 38th round of action in the Spanish top flight.

Barcelona comes into the weekend on 97 points, meaning that a victory would see the club finish in triple digits.

And if that was not enough, Barcelona will be hoping to send Eric Abidal out on a high note.

The French defender revealed on Thursday that he would be leaving the club at the conclusion of the season after Barcelona decided not to renew his contract. It is sure to be an emotional scene at Camp Nou as the club stood by Abidal and supported him through a liver transplant last year.

"It's a very difficult day for me," the Frenchman added via Barcelona's official Twitter account. "I have played for Barca for six years and it's been the biggest experience of my life.

"I understand and respect the decision of the club. I'm going, but I'll be sure to return. I want to thank all the fans of the club who have supported me and have been looking after me. The team is my second family. We have gone through a lot together and I'll remember this forever."

Malaga comes into the match in the final Europa League position on 57 points, but its all academic for the club as it has been suspended from European play for one season due to financial reasons.

While Barcelona says goodbye to Abidal at Camp Nou, Real Madrid will bid farewell to Jose Mourinho. The Madrid manager's exit already has been confirmed, meaning that the club's match against Osasuna at the Bernabeu on Sunday will be his last involvement with the storied side.

There still is plenty at stake as far as the relegation battle goes; any one of the bottom four clubs in La Liga can stay up.

Deportivo comes into the weekend occupying the final safe position and can seal a spot in the top flight for next season with a victory against Real Sociedad, a club hoping to finalize a Champions League qualification spot for next term.

Celta Vigo, Real Zaragoza and Mallorca will be attempting to eclipse Deportivo in their respective bids to stay up, but their hopes are contingent upon Los Turcos dropping points at the Riazor. All three challengers will be at home against Espanyol, Valladolid and Atletico Madrid, respectively.

Valencia has pushed Sociedad every step of the way for the final Champions League berth and will hope to complete the job on Sunday with a victory at Sevilla.

Wrapping up the final La Liga slate of the season, Granada welcomes Getafe to Los Carmenes, Levante hosts Real Betis at the Ciutat de Valencia and Rayo Vallecano faces Athletic Bilbao at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.