La Liga: Key Highlights for Matchday 29 in Spain
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Synopsis
La Liga's Matchday 29 features a thrilling title race with Barcelona leading Real Madrid, and a crucial fight for European qualification, as Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal compete for fourth place. The weekend also highlights the intense rivalry of the Seville derby between Real Betis and Sevilla, promising an exciting display of skill and drama.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid looks for victory against Leganes.
- Barcelona faces a tough schedule ahead.
- Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal vie for Champions League qualification.
- The Seville derby promises intense rivalry and drama.
- Player injuries could impact team performance.
Madrid (Spain), March 28 (NationPress) As La Liga enters the decisive final 10 weeks of the season, there is much at stake in the title race, the fight for European qualification, and the battle against relegation. The fierce competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid sees Barca holding a three-point advantage over their arch-rivals (60 points). Atletico Madrid sits in third with 56 points, while Athletic Bilbao occupies the fourth spot with 52 points.
Here are some key aspects to monitor this weekend as top-tier football resumes in Spain:
1. Opportunity for Real Madrid
Real Madrid's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, will be pleased that his team’s first match after the international break is at home against Leganes. Leganes, struggling with consecutive defeats that have sent them into the relegation zone, travel to the Santiago Bernabeu having scored only 26 goals in 28 league fixtures, which should not pose a significant challenge for Real Madrid.
Ancelotti faces a minor concern regarding goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois but can rely on Andriy Lunin as a backup. Additionally, players like Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, and Lucas Vazquez may be included if Ancelotti opts to rest stars like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham ahead of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad.
2. Barcelona's Tight Schedule
Barcelona has managed to move three points ahead in La Liga after a rescheduled 3-0 victory against Osasuna last Thursday. Neither team preferred to play during the international break, and Barca's concerns were validated when Dani Olmo sustained a groin injury.
With just 65 hours until their next match against Girona, followed by a Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid and another La Liga clash against Real Betis on April 5, the schedule poses a challenge for Hansi Flick’s squad and may lead to further injuries.
3. Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal's Fight for Fourth
Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal have crucial matches this weekend as they vie for fourth place and a spot in next year's Champions League.
Athletic anticipates the return of top scorer Oihan Sancet after a month-long injury absence for their home game against Osasuna, who have only one victory in their last 16 matches but previously defeated Athletic 3-2 in the Copa del Rey.
Villarreal faces a challenging away match against Getafe, whose performance has improved in 2025 with the addition of midfielder Ramon Terrats. However, Terrats is on loan from Villarreal, and if Getafe wants him to play on Sunday, they must pay an extra fee. This weekend is critical, as next week Athletic will visit Villarreal for a decisive encounter.
4. Seville Derby Anticipates Drama
The Seville derby on Sunday between Real Betis and Sevilla is a must-see event, with Betis aiming for a Champions League spot while Sevilla clings to slim hopes of qualifying for Europe.
The intense rivalry between these two teams often leads to contentious moments on the pitch, impacting players even new to the clubs. Expect a mix of strategic play from both sides, with standout performers including Jesus Rodriguez, Isco, Antony, Dodi Lukebakio, Ruben Vargas, and Isaac Romero, in a match where league standings hold less significance.
