There was midweek action in LALIGA EA SPORTS for FC Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club and Real Madrid, with Barça and Los Blancos each picking up three points. That means Hansi Flick’s and Xabi Alonso’s squads sit out in front in the title race, and they’ll look to keep the momentum going this weekend.
The first of the Matchday 15 fixtures taking place this weekend is the Friday night meeting between Real Oviedo and RCD Mallorca. The Asturian side sit bottom of the table and know that this is a huge opportunity, with the islanders currently in 16th. A win here could be a major catalyst for the newly promoted side.
Saturday begins with Villarreal CF hosting Getafe CF, a fascinating clash between two clubs who have enjoyed excellent starts to the season. El Submarino Amarillo sit third in the table, and they’ve won five in a row, but Geta will be tough opponents and they’re currently in seventh position.
There is a Basque derby next up, with Real Sociedad making the short trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz to take on Deportivo Alavés. It was Deportivo Alavés who won both meetings between these neighbours last season, so they’ll look to earn another victory over La Real this Saturday.
League leaders FC Barcelona are in action in the 18:30 CET slot, and it could be a very tricky game for the Catalan outfit. They’ll pay a visit to Real Betis, who are currently fifth in the table and still on a high after defeating Sevilla FC in ELGRAN DERBI last weekend. Los Verdiblancos scored a stoppage time equaliser to draw 2-2 when these clubs met in Seville last LALIGA EA SPORTS season, and more drama is expected this weekend.
The last of Saturday’s four games is another mouthwatering one, as Athletic Club welcome Atlético de Madrid to San Mamés. These clubs share a lot of history, but that’ll count for very little once the ball gets rolling on Saturday night, especially since both these teams suffered losses in midweek which they’ll be keen to bounce back from.
Elche CF host the first of Sunday’s fixtures, taking on a Girona FC side who have improved in recent weeks. The Catalan outfit have collected five points from the past three matchdays, including a draw against Real Madrid last matchday, so they’ll travel south feeling confident and ready for what should be a very tactically interesting duel between Eder Sarabia and Míchel’s squads.
The action stays in the Valencian Community, with Valencia CF taking on Sevilla FC in the day’s next game. Both clubs will feel they’re still a little too close to the relegation zone for comfort, so the three points are very valuable in this clash of historic clubs.
Sixth-placed RCD Espanyol and ninth-placed Rayo Vallecano face off next, with these two clubs very much hoping to grab a European qualification spot this season. Los Pericos have won each of the past three meetings between these clubs, after losing the previous five, so it seems the tide has turned in the head-to-head between these clubs.
Sunday’s 21:00 CET takes place at the Bernabéu, with Real Madrid returning home to play their first match at their own stadium in over a month. It has been a mixed experience on their travels, with three league draws but then a very impressive performance to beat Athletic Club 3-0 in midweek. Back in front of their home fans and taking on RC Celta, Xabi Alonso will hope for another strong performance from his players.
There is one final game in Matchday 15, the Monday night meeting of CA Osasuna and Levante UD. It’s the visitors’ first LALIGA EA SPORTS match since sacking Julián Calero, and Álvaro del Moral and Vicente Iborra are expected to be the caretaker coaches for this one. It’ll be fascinating to see how they get on, at one of the toughest away grounds in Spanish football.
