MADRID, Oct 23 (Xinhua) – The first El Clasico La Liga clash of the season arrives this weekend. Real Madrid aim to extend their lead, while FC Barcelona hope to recover form and take crucial points at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Barcelona Face Injury Concerns Before El Clasico La Liga
Barcelona have one extra day of rest before El Clasico La Liga. They played Olympiakos at home in the Champions League on Tuesday. Real Madrid, meanwhile, beat Juventus on Wednesday in a tough game.
Barcelona’s injury list remains a concern. Raphinha is doubtful, and Robert Lewandowski is ruled out with a hamstring strain. Ferran Torres also faces a late fitness test due to a muscle issue. Coach Hansi Flick will watch from the stands after his red card against Girona.
Real Madrid Look to End Losing Streak Against Barcelona
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso expects good news on the injury front. Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold could return at right-back. Madrid are motivated to reverse last season’s poor record. They lost four times to Barcelona – twice in La Liga, once in the Copa del Rey, and once in the Spanish Super Cup.
Weekend Matches Set for Excitement Across La Liga
The weekend opens on Saturday night with Real Sociedad hosting Sevilla. Home coach Sergio Fernandez faces pressure despite earning a draw at Celta Vigo last week. Real Sociedad sit in the relegation zone, while Sevilla’s momentum ended after a home loss to Mallorca.
Bottom-placed Girona, unlucky to lose to Barcelona last weekend, host second-bottom Oviedo. New coach Luis Carrion needs a win to earn fans’ trust after replacing Veljko Paunovic.
Espanyol play at home against Elche, who have impressed this season with strong possession play. Athletic Club face a quick turnaround of under 70 hours before meeting Getafe. They won 3-1 over Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday. Coach Ernesto Valverde criticized the early schedule, saying the match should have been delayed by a day to aid recovery.
Other Key Fixtures in La Liga Round
Getafe will miss suspended players Allan Nyom and Alex Sancris, both sent off against Real Madrid. Valencia take on third-placed Villarreal in an east-coast derby. Carlos Corberan’s men must end a four-match winless streak to climb the table.
Mallorca hope to build on their win over Sevilla when they host Levante, who suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano. Osasuna meet Celta Vigo, who have drawn 1-1 seven times this season. Celta also have limited rest after Thursday’s Europa League clash with Nice.
Alaves, boasting the best defensive record in La Liga, visit Rayo Vallecano. The round concludes on Monday as Real Betis host Atletico Madrid – a big test for Atletico’s shaky away form.
This news was originally published by Xinhua.