La Liga 2024-25: Key Highlights for Matchday 18 in Spain This Weekend

Madrid (Spain), Dec 20 (NationPress) This weekend's La Liga fixtures will wrap up 2024 with a key match featuring FC Barcelona against Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid aims to finish the year at the summit of the league standings.

Here are four key aspects to watch for in the final round of matches in La Liga for 2024:

1. Crucial Clash for Barcelona and Flick

Barcelona will host Atletico Madrid, with both teams currently tied on points at the top of the standings. However, Barcelona has been experiencing difficulties with their form and results lately. Despite performing well in European competitions, Barca has recorded three defeats in their last six La Liga matches, including a surprising 1-0 home loss to Leganes last weekend.

In that match, Flick lost Lamine Yamal to an ankle injury. Fortunately for him, this midweek offers a rare break to recuperate tired players. Will Barcelona bounce back and deliver a victorious performance? Or will their recent struggles continue, leading to an unhappy festive period filled with uncertainties around the club?

2. What Version of Simeone Will We Witness?

Atletico Madrid's surge in form is largely attributed to the growing synergy between forwards Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, transforming Atletico into a formidable attacking unit.

With a streak of seven consecutive league victories, Atletico has showcased entertaining football, with Rodrigo de Paul stepping up significantly and Marcos Llorente enjoying the freedom to make aggressive forward runs. As they prepare for the upcoming match against FC Barcelona, one pressing question remains: will coach Diego Simeone revert to his defensive strategies when facing a strong opponent?

3. Can Real Madrid Secure a Major Victory?

Real Madrid concludes 2024 with a home match against Sevilla after their impressive 3-0 triumph over Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup in Doha. Coach Carlo Ancelotti must ensure his players recover adequately for this final match of the year, which could see them finish atop the table if they win and both Barcelona and Atletico draw.

Aside from a shaky start in Doha, Madrid faced minimal challenges from a side that would likely struggle in Spain's mid-table. However, on Sunday, Ancelotti's squad must eliminate the defensive lapses that cost them dearly against Rayo Vallecano last weekend. Sevilla poses a strong threat, particularly from set pieces, while their attackers, Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukebakio, are both fast and agile, with Lukebakio being particularly adept at evading defenders.

4. Significant Derby in Pamplona

Osasuna will host Athletic Bilbao in what promises to be a closely contested derby at the El Sadar Stadium this Saturday evening. Athletic, currently in fourth place, requires a win to keep their slim title hopes alive following a 1-1 draw against Alaves last weekend.

This draw halted Athletic's six-game winning streak and could provide insights into what they might face in Pamplona, where Alaves adapted their strategy in the second half to use long passes, bypassing Athletic's intense midfield pressure. With striker Ante Budimir posing a significant threat and midfielder Aimar Oroz demonstrating why Athletic sought his signature this summer, Osasuna's size, power, and creativity could turn this match into a challenging encounter for Athletic's coach Ernesto Valverde.