MADRID: The return of football to Spain over the weekend commences with the 14th round of matches in La Liga, featuring three highly anticipated derbies. Concurrently, FC Barcelona embarks on a challenging journey to the northwest of the country.
The reigning champions of the league encountered their second defeat of the season just before the break, succumbing to a 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad. This loss places them on the defensive as they prepare to face a Celta Vigo team known for its goal-scoring prowess, with veteran striker Iago Aspae at the helm of their attack.
Barcelona's coaching staff faced a setback when Ansu Fati sustained a hamstring injury during a training session on the break, adding him to the list of long-term absentees alongside Andreas Christensen, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, and Ronald Araujo.
On a more positive note, Barcelona has been spared from the international call-ups of Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, who are expected to be in peak form and rested for the upcoming match.
Real Madrid is scheduled to travel to Madrid on Sunday, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the table under the guidance of coach Zinedine Zidane.
The absence of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez due to injuries has left Carlo Ancelotti without a specialist right-back, while Eder Militao and David Alaba's long-term absences in central defense, coupled with uncertainties over the fitness of Aurelien Tchouameni, pose significant challenges for the team's defensive strategy.
Rodríguez is also sidelined for Madrid, leaving Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to lead the team's attack.
The weekend kicks off with a crucial match in the relegation zone as Getafe takes on Valladolid, with both teams under immense pressure to avoid defeat.
Valencia's Mestalla Stadium is set to witness an emotional afternoon on Saturday lunchtime as football returns to the city for the first time since the devastating floods that claimed over 200 lives at the end of October.
Atletico Madrid faces Alaves, a team that has shown promise with a strong start to the campaign, while the Catalan derby between Girona and Espanyol promises to be an exciting match.
Girona continues to grapple with a roster of absentees, including midfielders Yangel Herrera and Ivan Martin, and forward Arnaut Danjuma, who is also sidelined against a rival team in the relegation zone.
Las Palmas and Mallorca will square off in a match that is expected to be emotionally charged, as Las Palmas returns to the field after the tragic floods that claimed numerous lives.
Mallorca, on the other hand, is looking to maintain the momentum that has seen them win three of their four matches since the appointment of new coach Diego Martinez.
Villarreal, securing the third position, is set to embark on a challenging journey to Pamplona to confront Osasuna. Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral is optimistic about the potential of Ayoze Perez's pace, as it has proven to be a decisive factor in several matches this season.
The weekend concludes with the highly anticipated Basque derby between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Sociedad at the San Mames Stadium. Athletic aims to maintain their impressive record at home against one of the season's top visiting teams.
Athletic will have the advantage of a rest period over the weekend, with Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet expected to return from injuries. They will face a formidable opponent in a Copa del Rey match on Thursday night.
The derby is renowned for its electric atmosphere and serves as a perfect conclusion to the weekend.
