MADRID, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The last round of matches before the international break sees one key game in the battle for the top four and increasing nerves around the relegation zone. Here are some things to look out for in Spain's Matchday 29.
1. Atletico and Barca go head-to-head after Champions League success
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will measure their morale when they play in the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday evening.
The game comes in the wake of both teams making it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, with Barca beating Napoli and Atletico defeating Inter Milan on penalties.
Neither side has ensured a top-four finish for next season and this game is vital for their European future, with Atletico only two points ahead of Athletic Bilbao.
Atletico has not lost a league game in front of their fans since a defeat to Barcelona in January 2023, and coach Diego Simeone may worry that the effort of extra time and penalties on Wednesday could take their toll on some of his key players.
2. Tough visit for Real Madrid and Vinicius
Osasuna's El Sadar Stadium is arguably the most hostile ground in Spain for Real Madrid. It is a place where the league leaders are deeply unpopular, and even with players such as David Garcia and Ruben Pena out injured, Carlo Ancelotti's side can expect a physical challenge.
It will be interesting to see how Vinicius Jr performs after recent games against RB Leipzig and Celta where he lost his temper and pushed rival players over, being very lucky not to be sent off on both occasions.
3. A great chance for Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao could be forgiven for focusing their attention on their Copa del Rey final against Mallorca on April 6, but the weekend offers them a great chance to close the gap on the top four and possibly move into a place that would qualify them for next season's Champions League.
Atletico Madrid's game against Barcelona on Sunday sees two of their direct rivals for a top four finish play each other, with one, or perhaps both teams dropping points.
Last weekend's win in Las Palmas means a win for Athletic at home to Alaves on Saturday would see them climb above Atletico into fourth place.
Athletic has won 10 and drawn one of their last 11 home games and beat Alaves with ease on their way to the cup final, and although their rivals arrive boosted by recent results which have all but ensured their top-flight future, a packed San Mames Stadium will expect the points to stay at home.
4. Relegation dogfight heats up
Cadiz's win against Atletico Madrid last weekend ended a run of 23 games without a win and has given the coastal outfit a huge morale boost, as well as throwing the relegation battle wide open.
Cadiz has a difficult visit to play Real Sociedad, who got back to winning ways in Granada last week, but they will see the game as a chance to continue their improvement.
Celta Vigo sacked Rafa Benitez after their defeat in Madrid last weekend and appointed B-team coach Claudio Giraldez as his replacement. Celta has just a two-point advantage of Cadiz and has another tough away game against Sevilla.
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano is now firmly in the relegation mix after their defeat to Alaves, with new coach Inigo Perez searching to end a run of nine league games without a win at home to a Real Betis side who still has hopes of qualifying for Europe. ■
