Madrid, April 3 (NationPress) The challenges of this demanding season have intensified, with the title race narrowing down to a direct contest between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both teams successfully progressed to the final of the Copa del Rey after two gripping semifinal matches this week. Following their semifinal victory against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, FC Barcelona faces minimal recovery time before defending their three-point advantage at the top of La Liga this Saturday when they host Real Betis.

This marks Barca's fourth match in just ten days, and Hansi Flick will need to maintain his squad rotation strategy against one of the league's most formidable teams. Despite their 5-1 triumph over Betis in the Copa del Rey back in January, the team from Betis has shown significant improvement in the last two months and is vying for a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League following a streak of six consecutive league victories.

Real Madrid had to endure extra time on Tuesday as Real Sociedad highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. Carlo Ancelotti's team is set to play at home against Valencia. Ancelotti must also rotate his squad after the Copa del Rey clash, especially with a Champions League match against Arsenal looming next week. Meanwhile, Valencia arrives after a narrow 1-0 victory at home against Mallorca, which has secured them a four-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Two draws and two wins in their last four matches illustrate Valencia's resurgence under coach Carlos Corberan. Matches between these two teams have become contentious due to racist remarks directed at Madrid winger Vinicius Jr during a match at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium.

Atletico Madrid saw their title aspirations dashed last week, with their Copa del Rey exit following a league draw against Espanyol, leaving Diego Simeone's squad nine points off the top of the table.

With Atlético having little left to play for other than securing a top-four finish, Simeone needs to motivate his players for their visit to Sevilla, whose coach Garcia Pimienta is under pressure after a derby loss to Betis, leaving the team struggling to qualify for Europe with only one win in their last five games.

Villarreal will host Athletic Bilbao in a crucial match to determine the fourth-place finish this season. Villarreal trails Athletic by six points but has one game in hand against a rival expected to welcome back Oihan Sancet and Daniel Vivian from injuries. The weekend's matches will commence on Friday as Rayo Vallecano aims to bolster their European ambitions at home against an Espanyol team that must work hard to avoid relegation.

Alaves risks falling back into the relegation zone if they fail to secure victory away against mid-table Girona, while Saturday features a matchup between Mallorca and Celta Vigo, both of which are eyeing European competition for the upcoming season.

Las Palmas played well to earn a draw in Vigo, but failing to secure a win at home against Real Sociedad on Sunday could cost coach Diego Martinez his job. Las Palmas currently lacks goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who suffered a punctured intestine on Monday night.

The bottom team, Real Valladolid, will host Getafe, who can clinch their survival for another year with a win. On Monday, Leganes will face Osasuna, who have only managed one victory in their last 17 league matches.