Preview: Barcelona faces tough test in La Liga Matchday 21, while relegation battles heat up
Introduction to this article
Real Madrid and Almeria
Matchday 21 of the current La Liga campaign is coming up this weekend and this will be the first league action for the four Super Cup teams in two and a half weeks. Real Madrid will hope to build on last week’s Super Cup victory when they host Almeria.
Rayo Vallecano and Las Palmas
Four fixtures follow on Saturday, starting with Rayo Vallecano’s clash against Las Palmas in Vallecas. These are two sides who play attractive football, so it’ll be a joy to watch the likes of Isi Palazon and Sergio Camello go up against Munir El Haddadi, Alberto Moleiro and co.
Valencia and Athletic Club
Mestalla hosts the next of the weekend’s fixtures, and it’s a duel between two in-form teams as Valencia host Athletic Club.
Real Sociedad and Celta
Real Sociedad lost the aforementioned Basque Derby last weekend, so Imanol Alguacil’s squad will be determined to get back to winning ways when they visit Celta on Saturday night.
Osasuna and Getafe
Osasuna and Getafe kick off Sunday’s action, and the fans at El Sadar will be hoping that Los Rojillos can end their terrible run of form against the club from Madrid.
Real Betis and Barcelona
The Estadio Benito Villamarin is the site of the weekend’s blockbuster match, as Real Betis and Barcelona square off with both sides desperate to climb up the standings.
Girona vs. Sevilla
In the final game of the day, Girona will have the chance to respond to whatever Real Madrid do in the afternoon. The Catalan outfit host a struggling Sevilla side, one Girona defeated 2-1 earlier in the campaign.
Granada and Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid, whose most recent league outing was a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Girona, will return to action away at Granada in this weekend’s Monday fixture.
