- Microsoft pushes for gaming supremacy with 'Call of Duty' release
- Putin to meet UN's Guterres for first time in over two years
- Harris says she believes Trump is a fascist
- At US border, frustration over immigration as political football
- Harris leans on A-list, Trump on quirky coterie in homestretch
- Michigan's Mideast minority tempted to punish Harris in US vote
- Dodgers idol Ohtani eyes World Series coronation
- Goliath v Goliath: Yankees, Dodgers clash in World Series classic
- Pakistan aims to privatize flag carrier in November: Finance Minister
- Trump accused of groping model he met through Jeffrey Epstein
- Original 'Little Prince' typescript to go under hammer in UAE
- Messi and Miami have sights set on MLS Cup playoff triumph
- King Charles sips kava narcotic, to become Samoan 'high chief'
- Tesla shares jump as profits rise on lower expenses
- Trump boasts of near daily conversations with Netanyahu
- 'Too soon' to call Barca contenders despite Bayern romp: Flick
- Over 250 Uruguayan football fans arrested after Rio riot
- COP16 president hopeful of 'major announcements' soon
- Israel pounds Beirut, levels residential complex: state media
- Liverpool driven on by 'destroyed' season
- Barca thrash Bayern in Champions League, Liverpool stay perfect
- 'Freak' Haaland leaves Man City team-mates 'speechless'
- COP16 'green zone' celebrates nature's bounty
- Perplexity seeks news allies as it challenges Google
- Ten Hag argues Man Utd on the 'right path' to success
- Pay or 'blood flows': Peru battles extortion epidemic
- Raphinha hat-trick helps Barca thrash Bayern in Champions League
- Liverpool sink Leipzig to continue strong start under Slot
- Haaland acrobatics light up Man City rout of Sparta Prague
- Global business web behind Malaysia's 'houses of horror' youth homes
- Chair of global plastics talks pledges deal next month
- French mass rape victim tells court she is 'broken' but determined
- Lebanon media says Israel strikes Beirut suburbs, office of pro-Iran broadcaster
- Embiid, George out for 76ers' NBA season opener
- G7 to make $50 bn Ukraine loan available by year-end: Yellen
- US fines Apple and Goldman Sachs over Apple Card
- Over 350 green activists killed since 2018 in nature summit host Colombia: report
- Harris berates 'unhinged' Trump over Hitler remarks
- Turkey says PKK 'likely' behind deadly defence firm attack
- Proportion of women killed in conflict doubled in 2023: UN
- Five dead, 22 hurt in attack on Turkey defence firm
- US businesses 'hesitant' before 2024 elections: Federal Reserve
- Leverkusen held to stalemate in Champions League by battling Brest
- Frustrated Atalanta held to goalless draw by Celtic in Champions League
- Djokovic won't play Paris Masters, leaving doubt over season
- Bolivian transport workers strike over fuel shortages
- Fury expects to knock out Usyk in heavyweight title rematch
- Georgia ruling party stages mass rally ahead of key vote
- Attack kills 4, injures 14 at Turkey defence firm
- Another French top pick: Zaccharie Risacher starts life in the NBA
SCS | -2.73% | 12.47 | $ | |
NGG | 0.23% | 66.44 | $ | |
RBGPF | 1.59% | 63 | $ | |
CMSC | -0.39% | 24.64 | $ | |
AZN | -0.48% | 76.95 | $ | |
GSK | -0.05% | 37.98 | $ | |
BTI | -0.52% | 34.71 | $ | |
BP | -0.86% | 31.31 | $ | |
RIO | -1.54% | 64.49 | $ | |
CMSD | -0.69% | 24.76 | $ | |
RYCEF | -0.96% | 7.29 | $ | |
BCE | -0.33% | 33.21 | $ | |
BCC | 0.19% | 133.91 | $ | |
RELX | -0.43% | 46.82 | $ | |
JRI | -0.15% | 13.05 | $ | |
VOD | -0.95% | 9.46 | $ |
Three La Liga talking points ahead of final weekend
La Liga's final weekend offers few potential twists with Real Madrid crowned champions, the European qualifiers and relegation battle already over.
However there are still some interesting threads to follow as another season draws to a close. AFP Sport looks at three talking points.
Battle for golden boot
One of the few matters yet to be resolved is the race for Spain's Pichichi trophy -- La Liga's golden boot.
Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth leapt to the top of the standings with 23 goals after hitting four against Real Madrid last weekend.
The Norwegian striker and his team visit Osasuna on Saturday, and by then he may no longer be leading the race.
On Friday Girona host Granada with forward Artem Dovbyk on 21 goals, in hot pursuit of Sorloth.
The Ukrainian striker has been a key figure for the Catalan side this season, helping fire them to a remarkable third-place finish.
Xavi's last game?
Speculation still swirls around Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez's future.
Just weeks after he agreed to stay on for next season, Barcelona president Joan Laporta may axe the former midfield great.
Spanish reports last week said the president had decided to sack Xavi after the team failed to win a trophy this season and finished a distant second to bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Xavi arrived in November 2021 and after leading Barcelona to the title last season, could have his time in charge cut short with a year still to run on his contract.
The visit to face Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan could be his final curtain call for the club, and also closes out the Spanish season on Sunday night.
Madrid on alert
Champions Real Madrid are just hoping to get through their last match at Real Betis without any injury concerns ahead of the Champions League final on June 1.
However, Carlo Ancelotti might select a strong side to keep his players sharp ahead of the clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
After a wild 4-4 draw with Villarreal last weekend Ancelotti will want his defence to offer a more sturdy display.
Midfielder Toni Kroos will likely be afforded generous applause by Betis fans as he prepares to play his last ever match in the top flight, having announced he will retire this summer.
Many international players across the league will also be hoping to make it through the last week unscathed so they can feature for their countries at Euro 2024 or the Copa America.
Player to watch: Nico Williams
The Athletic Bilbao winger has enjoyed a brilliant season, helping the team win the Copa del Rey, and will hope to sign off in sparkling form ahead of Euro 2024. Williams is a potential starter for Spain on the left flank and a good showing at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday will help his chances.
Key stats
0 - Rayo Vallecano have scored no headed goals this season, unique across Europe's top five leagues
13 - Not only do Villarreal have the top goalscorer, their midfielder Alex Baena leads La Liga for assists
83 - Cadiz midfielder Ruben Alcaraz has committed the most fouls in the top flight
Fixtures
Friday
Girona v Granada (1900)
Saturday
Osasuna v Villarreal (1200), Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid (1415), Almeria v Cadiz, Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Bilbao (both 1630), Real Betis v Real Madrid (1900)
Sunday
Getafe v Mallorca (1200), Celta Vigo v Valencia, Las Palmas v Alaves (both 1415), Sevilla v Barcelona (1900)
Ch.Havering--AMWN