Lewandowski back for Barca at Espanyol with title in sight

FC Barcelona can either seal the La Liga title on Thursday night with a win away to local rival Espanyol, or use the match as a celebration, depending on Real Madrid's result at home to Mallorca on Wednesday.

If Madrid fails to beat Mallorca, Barca will be champions without kicking a ball, but otherwise, there will still be work to do against a side that is not totally safe from relegation.

Barca's 4-3 win at home to Madrid on Sunday leaves the title in its grasp, although Jules Kounde is still injured and Inigo Martinez will miss the game through suspension.

Robert Lewandowski(R) of FC Barcelona vies with Marcos Alonso of Celta Vigo during the Laliga football match between FC Barcelona and Celta Vigo, in Barcelona, Spain, on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

On a positive note, Marc Casado and Robert Lewandowski could both play as Barca looks to complete a league and cup double.

Thursday could also confirm Athletic Bilbao's place in the Champions League if the Basque side wins away to a Getafe that is on a run of five straight losses.

The Williams brothers are still out for Athletic, but Alex Berenguer and Andoni Gorosabel both return after suspension, and Benat Prados could be available after suffering a shin injury a week ago.

Athletic could have its Champions League place confirmed before kick-off if Real Betis fails to win away to Getafe in an early kick-off. The Seville-based outfit is six points behind Athletic with nine to play for, but with a worse goal difference.

Rayo, meanwhile, still has a good chance of a top-eight finish and a place in Europe next season.

Osasuna is also aiming to play in Europe, although the Pamplona side has to play Atletico Madrid which has been inconsistent lately, with more problems on the road than in front of its own fans.

Julian Alvarez will be back for Atletico after suspension, but Alexander Sorloth will surely start again after scoring four against Real Sociedad at the weekend.