BARCELONA // The destination of the Primera Liga title will be decided tonight. Barcelona, the league leaders, are favourites and host a Valladolid side fighting relegation. Barca, chasing a club record 99 points, are one ahead of Real Madrid who travel to a Malaga side needing at least a draw to stay up. Malaga have not won in ten games and have been criticised for their aggressive style this season.
The Real players and management were rewarded a day off on Friday and held a farewell lunch for Christoph Metzelder, the German defender - who is joining Schalke - before watching tennis in the Spanish capital. The mood was good, because while Real are likely to finish the season empty-handed, they are set to accumulate a club record 98 points. Iker Casillas, the goalkeeper, has again been one of Real's best performers. Known at "Saint Iker" in Spain for his stopping heroics, his profile has risen further recently after he started dating the beautiful sports journalist Sara Carbonero, a move which turned the couple into gossip magazine regulars.
Casillas's greatest chance of silverware may come at the World Cup with Spain, but he has been satisfied with Real's commitment this season. "This season has been great because it has come down to the last game and anything can happen," he told a news conference. "Things can change in a matter of seconds, but we have to take care of our business by beating Malaga. Once we finish we will see what Barcelona have done. If we don't win the league with 98 points then it is because another team deserves it more. But reaching that mark and scoring 100 goals have made for a great competition."
As a Madrileno, Casillas also opined that he was happy rivals Atletico Madrid had won the Europa League this week. He added that while he was upset that Real were eliminated early in both the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League, he was optimistic about the club's future. "I hope this project is allowed to grow and gain confidence," he said. "We are a new team, there were many changes in the club last summer and I believe in the project. I find [coach] Pellegrini calm and coherent and we stand by him," he added.
Rivals Barca will be missing Xavi against Valladolid through suspension, but Andres Iniesta should be back after six weeks out injured. Barca are unbeaten at home, with Lionel Messi set to win the pichichi with 32 league goals so far. The Catalans beat Valladolid 3-0 away in January and have ten more points than at the same stage last season - though they did ease off after winning the league with two games to spare.
Five teams could still be relegated, with three going down. Valladolid, Racing Santander, Malaga and Tenerife are all on 36 points, while Xerez, the bottom side, are on 33. All have tough games, but given that Xerez have won just once in their first 19 games, they have excelled to remain in with a fight until the last day of the season. Xerez are at mid-table Osasuna. Tenerife travel to third-placed Valencia.
Racing entertain neighbours Sporting Gijon, who are also safe. Few would be surprised if Racing won, with more than a whiff of conspiracy evident after the regional president talked of "a brotherhood between Asturias [Sporting] and Cantabria [Racing]." Such talk has, understandably, outraged their rivals. sports@thenational.ae Barca v Valladolid, Aljazeera Sport + 3; Malaga v Real, Aljazeera Sport +4, both 9pm
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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