Varela: “The race for fourth place will go down to the wire”

Mallorca midfielder Fernando Varela has insisted the race for the final Champions League spot in La Liga will right down to the final day of the season.

The Balearic Islanders currently occupy fourth place, but sit just one point ahead of Sevilla and Varela is well aware his side have a fight on their hands if they want to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

“We have five games left, it will be very tight. I hope, and believe, it will not be decided until the final game,” Varela told a press conference.

“Taking the points in our home games would be a big step forward,” he added.

Having beaten Osasuna 2-0 at home last weekend, Mallorca host Malaga this Sunday and Varela is well aware his side can’t afford to slip-up.

“Just as it was against Osasuna, it will be a very complicated match and like last week, we risk losing our European position if we fail to win. It will be very hard but hopefully the points will stay at home.”

from Goal.com