The drama at the top of La Liga often captures headlines, but the battle at the bottom, the fight to avoid the dreaded drop to the Segunda División, is just as compelling. Relegation carries significant financial and sporting consequences for the affected clubs. As the 2024-25 La Liga season nears its conclusion, the relegation picture is becoming clearer, though some uncertainty remains. This article will outline the relegation process in La Liga and identify the teams currently in the drop zone or facing a serious threat of relegation.
The La Liga Relegation System
In La Liga, the bottom three teams in the league table at the end of the 38-game season are relegated to the Segunda División. These clubs, occupying the 18th, 19th, and 20th positions, are replaced by the top two teams from the Segunda División (automatic promotion) and the winner of a promotion play-off involving the teams finishing between 3rd and 6th in the second tier.
The Already Confirmed: One Team's Fate Sealed
One team has already had their relegation mathematically confirmed:
Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid's difficult season has resulted in their relegation to the Segunda División. Their position at the bottom of the table with a significant points deficit has made their survival mathematically impossible with the remaining matches.
The Danger Zone: Teams Battling to Survive
With Real Valladolid's fate sealed, the focus now shifts to the remaining two relegation spots. Several teams are currently in the danger zone or teetering on the edge:
UD Las Palmas
UD Las Palmas currently occupies the 18th position, the final relegation spot. Their recent form and points tally leave them in a precarious situation as the season draws to a close.
CD Leganés
Just below the safety line, CD Leganés are also in the relegation zone. They will need to secure crucial points in their remaining matches to have any hope of staying in La Liga.
Girona FC
Despite a surprising start to the season, Girona FC have seen their form dip significantly in the latter stages. They are currently just outside the relegation zone but remain under serious threat and need to pick up points to ensure their survival.
Deportivo Alavés
Deportivo Alavés are also embroiled in the relegation battle. While slightly above the drop zone, their position is far from secure, and they will need to fight hard in their remaining fixtures.
Espanyol
Espanyol find themselves in a precarious position, hovering just above the relegation zone. Their inconsistent form throughout the season means they are still very much in the relegation mix.
Sevilla FC
Despite their pedigree as a successful European club, Sevilla FC have had a surprisingly difficult season and are not yet entirely safe from the threat of relegation. They will be looking to secure enough points to ensure their top-flight status.
Factors Determining Relegation
The final relegation spots will be determined by several key factors in the remaining matches:
Head-to-head records: In cases of teams finishing with the same number of points, the head-to-head record between those teams is the primary tiebreaker.
Goal difference: If the head-to-head record is equal, the team with the better overall goal difference will be ranked higher.
Goals scored: If the goal difference is also the same, the team that has scored more goals will be placed higher.
Remaining fixtures: The difficulty and nature of each team's remaining matches will play a crucial role in their ability to secure points.
Team form and momentum: Teams entering the final stretch with positive momentum have a better chance of picking up vital points.
Player availability and injuries: Key injuries or suspensions can significantly impact a team's chances in crucial matches.
Conclusion
As the 2024-25 La Liga season approaches its climax, the relegation battle is intensifying. Real Valladolid's fate is sealed, leaving two more spots in the Segunda División to be filled. UD Las Palmas and CD Leganés currently occupy those unwanted positions, but Girona FC, Deportivo Alavés, Espanyol, and even Sevilla FC are still in danger. The final weeks of the season promise dramatic twists and turns as these teams fight tooth and nail to secure their La Liga status for the next campaign.
About
Q: Which La Liga team has already been relegated in the 2024-25 season? A: As of May 5, 2025, Real Valladolid has been mathematically relegated from La Liga.
Q: How many teams are relegated from La Liga each season? A: Three teams are relegated from La Liga to the Segunda División at the end of each season.
Q: Which teams are currently in the La Liga relegation zone (excluding the already relegated team)? A: As of May 5, 2025, UD Las Palmas and CD Leganés occupy the remaining relegation spots.
Q: Which other teams are in danger of being relegated from La Liga? A: Girona FC, Deportivo Alavés, Espanyol, and Sevilla FC are also in a precarious position and could still be relegated.
Q: What factors determine which La Liga teams get relegated if they have the same number of points? A: The primary tiebreakers are: 1) Head-to-head record between the tied teams, 2) Overall goal difference, 3) Total goals scored.
Q: When will the final list of relegated La Liga teams be confirmed? A: The final three relegated teams will be confirmed at the end of the 38th and final matchday of the 2024-25 La Liga season.