La Liga 2024-25: Key Highlights for Matchday 17 in Spain

Madrid (Spain), Dec 13 (NationPress) The leading trio in La Liga will be up against teams from the lower half of the standings this weekend, while Valladolid prepares for a critical match in the relegation zone.

Here are four key highlights to watch for this weekend in Spain:

1. Bellingham's

Jude Bellingham has emerged as a crucial player for Real Madrid in recent weeks, stepping up when the team needed him most, particularly with Kylian Mbappe struggling and Vinicius Jr sidelined due to injury. The English midfielder has netted six goals in the last seven matches, effectively overcoming an early season slump following the UEFA European Championship, as reported by Xinhua.

Mbappe appeared to be regaining his form, contributing a vital goal in Madrid's UEFA Champions League victory against Atalanta on Tuesday. However, he will miss Saturday’s match against the spirited yet limited Rayo Vallecano due to a hamstring issue. Vinicius is also making a comeback after his injury but with the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final approaching on December 18, coach Carlo Ancelotti may choose to rest him, allowing Bellingham to lead the attack once more.

2. Araujo's

FC Barcelona nearly secured their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League with a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. However, coach Hansi Flick must be concerned about the defensive lapses that allowed the opposition to equalize twice.

While Raphinha and Lamine Yamal continue to shine in attack, the defence appears fatigued at the moment, making the timing of Ronald Araujo'sPau Cubarsi or Inigo Martinez a breather against a well-disciplined but limited Leganes.

3. Rising Teams Clash in San Sebastian

Real Sociedad will host Las Palmas on Sunday in a match featuring two teams in fine form. Real Sociedad has surged to sixth place after winning four of their last five league matches and has secured at least a playoff spot for the last-16 in the Europa League.

Las Palmas arrives at the Anoeta Stadium after winning five out of seven league games since Diego Martinez took charge, moving from the bottom of the table to five points clear of the relegation zone. Sandro Ramirez has been outstanding for Las Palmas, while Ander Barrenetxea and Mikel Oyarzabal have been pivotal in leading the Real Sociedad attack.

4. Tension Mounts in Valladolid

The weekend kicks off with bottom-placed Valladolid facing second-bottom Valencia. Valencia coach Ruben Baraja is at risk of losing his job if his team fails to secure a win. "No one has more at stake at Valencia than I do," Baraja stated in Thursday’s press briefing, clearly aware of his precarious situation.

While Baraja has done commendable work at the club, he has struggled to motivate his players this season, unlike in the past 18 months.