article_snippet.sent: After a run of five straight victories they are well placed to secure at least a berth in the Europa League, the competition they won last season and are still alive in this term.
article_snippet.sent: they may even pip Atletico Madrid and Valencia to a the Europa League berth.
article_snippet.sent: Barca lead on 74 points with eight games left, with Real Madrid, who play at Eibar on Saturday, second on 70 and Atletico, who are away at Malaga, third on 65.
article_snippet.sent: Valencia and Unai Emery's Sevilla each have 61 points in fourth and fifth, although Valencia have played one game fewer and have an away match at Athletic Bilbao later on Thursday before hosting city
article_snippet.sent: rivals Levante on Monday.
article_snippet.sent: At the other end of the La Liga table, Almeria host Granada in an all-Andalusian relegation battle on Saturday, before fellow strugglers Cordoba and Elche meet on Sunday.
article_snippet.sent: Cordoba avoided equalling the La Liga record for the most consecutive defeats of 11 thanks to Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna but remain five points adrift of Granada at the bottom and appear doomed for the drop.
highlights_snippet.sent: After five straight wins, Unai Emery's Sevilla on course for a place in the Europa League .