MADRID, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Matchday 22 in La Liga sees Real Madrid visit one of their favorite grounds, while FC Barcelona are at home to Alaves. Here are four things to look out for this weekend.
1. Real Madrid to cruise past Espanyol
Espanyol took a vital point away to Sevilla last weekend as they continue to struggle to avoid a rapid return to the second division, but they will have things a lot harder against a Real Madrid side in its best form of the season.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has to decide what to do with the return of Vinicius Jr, with Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo both thriving in his absence, but Real Madrid traditionally do well against Espanyol.
Perhaps because Espanyol supporters see FC Barcelona as their bitter local rivals, Real Madrid get a less hostile reception in their ground than almost anywhere else in Spain and that is another thing that favors them taking three points back to the capital.
2. Barcelona need to build on Valencia win
FC Barcelona's 7-1 win at home to Valencia last weekend ended doubts about the contrast between their form in La Liga and in other competitions, and they will hope for another comfortable three points at home to struggling Deportivo Alaves.
Alaves travel to Barcelona just a point above the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw at home to Celta Vigo on Monday, and they are a team that can struggle to create chances from open play.
However, Alaves are relatively robust in defense and four draws in their last six matches shows they are a team that can be tough to beat.
3. Madrid derby a factor a week ahead
Atletico Madrid have dropped five points from their last two league games, and seen a one-point lead at the top of La Liga turn into a four-point deficit to Real Madrid, with the two teams due to meet in the Santiago Bernabeu in February 8.
That means Atletico can't afford to drop any more points when they entertain Mallorca on Saturday, but also that some players will have to be careful they don't pick up a booking that would see them suspended for the big game.
Although Real Madrid don't have anyone a booking away from suspension, Atletico trio Julian Alvarez, Koke and Robin le Normand are all just one yellow card from a ban and they need to tread carefully this weekend.
4. Massive game for Valencia after Barca humiliation
Valencia's slight improvement under Carlos Corberan came to an abrupt and painful halt as they were hammered and humiliated 7-1 by FC Barcelona last weekend to leave them deep in relegation trouble.
Now they have to pick themselves up for a home game against a Celta Vigo side that has slipped to below mid-table in recent weeks, where they have missed striker Iago Aspas.
This is a vital match for Valencia and one they really have to win, but with their fans already angry at club owner Peter Lim and not known for their patience at the best of times, expect tension in the stands at Mestalla, and if Valencia get a poor start, that tension is only going to rise. ■
