Synopsis
The repercussions of this week's Champions League matches will unfold as FC Barcelona faces a fatigued Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid contends with Villarreal, who is chasing Champions League qualification. These high-stakes encounters could significantly impact the La Liga title race.Key Takeaways
- FC Barcelona travels to Atletico Madrid.
- Real Madrid faces Villarreal in a challenging away match.
- Atletico Madrid is dealing with fatigue and injuries.
- La Liga matches this weekend could reshape the title race.
- Bottom teams are fighting for survival.
Madrid (Spain), March 13 (NationPress) The repercussions of this week’s Champions League fixtures on the La Liga title race will become evident soon as FC Barcelona heads to a weary and disappointed Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid encounters a difficult away match against Villarreal, who is contending for a berth in next season’s Champions League.
Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals after a contentious penalty shoot-out, but they have fewer than 72 hours to gear up for their clash against fifth-placed Villarreal.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team has shown signs of exhaustion in recent outings, and facing a squad filled with attacking prowess like Ayoze Perez, Alex Baena, and Yeremy Pino will be a tough task after the emotionally and physically taxing 120 minutes of play, reports Xinhua.
Ancelotti might have to depend on players such as Brahim Diaz, Lucas Vazquez, and Fran Garcia while hoping his team can steer clear of any muscle injuries ahead of the international break.
Atletico Madrid will welcome Barcelona, who currently hold a one-point advantage in La Liga and have a game in hand. Diego Simeone’s squad missed the chance to surpass Barcelona last weekend after suffering a 2-1 loss to Getafe, followed by heartbreak on Wednesday when Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed for allegedly touching the ball twice after slipping during the shoot-out.
It’s hard to conceive a more agonizing way to lose. Given the additional 120 minutes of effort, Atletico will enter this match with 24 hours less recovery time than Barcelona, who comfortably advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals against Benfica on Tuesday, even resting some players for the last half hour.
Atletico will require something remarkable to recover, especially with Angel Correa suspended and Rodrigo de Paul injured.
This round of matches kicks off on Friday night with second-bottom Las Palmas hosting third-bottom Alaves, which could be Diego Martinez’s last chance as Las Palmas coach.
Bottom-placed Valladolid will host an in-form Celta Vigo, who is aiming for European competition next season, while Mallorca will also seek three points against an Espanyol team desperate to distance itself from the relegation zone.
Having lost just once in their last six matches, Valencia has pulled out of the bottom three and will face Carlos Corberan’s improving squad in a balanced match against Girona.
Leganes continues their battle for survival on Sunday with a home contest against Betis, who is pursuing a fifth consecutive win in La Liga.
Fourth-placed Athletic Club Bilbao faces a significant challenge as they travel to Sevilla shortly after their Europa League match against Roma at home, while Real Sociedad must journey to Rayo Vallecano's Vallecas Stadium just 72 hours after playing Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Finally, Osasuna will host Getafe in what is anticipated to be a tightly contested match with limited scoring chances.
