Spanish champions Barcelona and current La Liga leaders Real Madrid aim to restore confidence this weekend after bruising midweek outings in the Champions League.
Barça host Alavés on Saturday, while Madrid travel to Girona on Sunday, with both giants looking to stay ahead of in-form challengers Atlético Madrid and Villarreal.
Barcelona endured a chastening 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, their first scoreless match of 2025 under Hansi Flick. Real Madrid’s defensive frailties were again exposed as they conceded three at Olympiacos, although four goals from Kylian Mbappé rescued a wild 4-3 victory in Athens.
Flick admitted he was left searching for positives after the heavy loss in London. “I see how we train, the quality, the intensity. It’s totally different than maybe six weeks ago,” he said. “Players are coming back, increasing the quality in training. I have a good feeling about that and am positive.”
Raphinha has made two substitute appearances since returning from injury and may feature more prominently on Saturday at the newly reopened Camp Nou. “You can see I am happy that Raphinha is back again… Marcus (Rashford) is at his level after flu, Pedri will come (back) soon,” Flick added.
Barcelona’s first game at Camp Nou in two and a half years ended in a 4-0 demolition of Athletic Bilbao last weekend. A similar display against Alavés would help Flick’s side steady nerves and—at least temporarily—return to the top of the table after Madrid dropped points in their last two league games, including a 2-2 draw at promoted Elche.
Xabi Alonso’s Madrid lead Barça by one point but have stumbled with two consecutive draws, including a goalless result against Rayo Vallecano before the November international break. Girona, meanwhile, sit 18th after a poor start to the season.
A midweek hat-trick-inspired Mbappé powered Madrid to victory in Athens, ending a three-game winless run. Alonso said the triumph was vital in restoring momentum before Sunday’s trip to Montilivi.
The coach has faced scrutiny in Spain, with some reports claiming certain players, including Vinícius Júnior, do not fully support him. “We are united. We know the season will be long and demanding. There will be all kinds of moments, but unity is fundamental—that confidence in each other,” Alonso insisted.
Player to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has hit form, helping La Real climb the table after a difficult start while strengthening his claim to lead Spain’s attack at next year’s World Cup. Villarreal visit San Sebastián on Sunday, with Oyarzabal seeking to add to his three goals and two assists in his last four league matches.
Key stats
12 – La Liga games unbeaten for Atlético Madrid
53 – Matches in a row Barcelona scored in before Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Chelsea
1125 – Touches by Real Madrid defender Álvaro Carreras, the most of any player in La Liga this season
Fixtures
Friday (all times GMT)
Getafe v Elche (2000)
Saturday
Mallorca v Osasuna (1300), Barcelona v Alavés (1515), Levante v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Atlético Madrid v Real Oviedo (2000)
Sunday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (1300), Sevilla v Real Betis (1515), Celta Vigo v Espanyol (1730), Girona v Real Madrid (2000)
Monday
Rayo Vallecano v Valencia (2000)
AFP
