Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad have gained their qualification for European competitions for a third consecutive year. And the Basques have done so by remaining faithful to their purposeful brand of football. As well as featuring amongst the division’s top five sides for team spacing with the ball, nobody has racked up more double-pressure passes (those in which both the passer and the receiver are under pressure) in the league than the San Sebastian-based side, which clearly demonstrates their commitment and ability to play in tight spaces.

When the La Real players lose possession, they all react and display a high level of defensive commitment. Indeed, the boys from the Reale Arena lie amongst the top three teams for the distance covered after losing possession in high-intensity actions (above 21km/hr over at least 20m).

We often highlight Sevilla’s on-pitch positioning as one of the keys to their blueprint. Indeed, the boys from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan boast the widest team spacing in the division in possession, i.e. they have the highest convex hull in the attacking phase. In addition, each of their possessions involve an average of 3.3 players, which earns them the final spot on the LaLiga Santander podium in this department. Meanwhile, the team’s possessions see the Nervion-based outfit rank amongst the top three in the league for the number of passes per minute.

We mustn’t forget that not only do Julen Lopetegui’s lot excel in the attacking phase, they also perform admirably defensively, where they are the league runners-up for dangerous recoveries (13%).

Whilst the frontman netted the goal that earned the Bermellones promotion to the top flight a few seasons ago, his late winner against Rayo Vallecano last time out means that Mallorca’s survival destiny lies in their own hands as we head into the final matchday. Despite not being one of the first names on the teamsheet, Abdon can be relied on to make an impact. He features amongst the top three players in the Mallorca ranks for the number of goals scored and shots on target and is therefore a key player in the final third. In addition, he is also the squad member who registers the lowest distance to the nearest defender before receiving the ball. This reflects the challenge he faces when he gains possession as he typically receives the ball following a direct attacking move and finds himself surrounded by opposition defenders.

Some players have the ability to check in at a club and make an instant impression, contributing goals, assists and securing points and Vedat Muriqi certainly fits into that category. As we can see in this clip, the frontman is never given an easy ride by opposing defenders and ranks amongst the top 15 players in the division for the shortest distance to the closest opposing player when he receives the ball.

He also features amongst the top ten players in the attempts charts, which helps to explain his impressive five-goal haul. However, we want to draw your attention to one criteria that speaks volumes of his effort and determination and that is his performance in duels.

After joining Mallorca in the winter transfer window, the sharpshooter tops the LaLiga Santander standings for the number of aerial duels contested, chalking up almost 13 per outing, and he’s the league’s bridesmaid for the number of aerial duels won (almost seven).