STRONG HOME FORM FOR REST OF 2024 WILL BE THE KEY TO NAILING JESÚS NAVAS' CURTAIN CALL

Six matches stand between now and the end of 2024. After two painful league defeats in a row against Real Sociedad and CD Leganés, it is time to recover as soon as possible, and the first opportunity for redemption comes next Sunday when we host Rayo Vallecano in Nervión. 
A strong performance will be needed to set a precedent for the string of important home matches in December, which could have a big influence on our league position come the end of the season.

Two teams who sit around us in the currents standings in LaLiga EA Sports. Match-ups against CA Osasuna - on Monday 2 December - and RC Celta, who will visit on the weekend of 14/15 December, are the fixtures that Xavi García Pimienta's squad will likely target, either side of visits to the Metropolitano on Sunday 8 December to face Atlético and two weeks later to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid.

In 2024, there are five league games and the second round of the Copa del Rey remaining. 

In addition, there is the second round of the Copa del Rey, which may takes place around Thursday 5 December. The draw will take place on Wednesday 27 November, with us most likely to be facing a team from and it is most likely the third of fourth tier (the Primera División RFEF or the Segunda División RFEF).

The run-up to the festive period can be crucial, with the aim of going into the second half of the season with confidence high. And this year, the squad will have the extra motivation to ensure Jesús Navas rounds off his unparalleled career in the best way possible before he retires at the end of the calendar year.