MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid’s bid to catch Barcelona and win La Liga faces a key test this weekend in a derby in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid on Sunday, trailing Barcelona by four points with 10 matches remaining.
A win would ensure Real move closer to Barcelona and could even become favorites should Hansi Flick’s side stumble against Rayo Vallecano on the same day.
However, if Real’s loss coincides with Barcelona’s victory, Barcelona will be in a strong position to successfully defend their title.
Real, Atletico and Barcelona all feel good after the match. Eliminate British opponents This week’s Champions League round of 16.
key match
Real will seek revenge Atletico took the dollar 5-2. In the first league match played at the Metropolitano Stadium in September.
This result marked the beginning of the downfall of then manager Xabi Alonso.
Real lost even worse under coach Alvaro Arbeloa, but Alonso’s replacement received a big boost after the team easily defeated Manchester City 5-1 aggregate To advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.
Atlético are third in La Liga, 13 points behind Barcelona.
Atlético defeated Tottenham 7-5 on aggregate in the Champions League this week, securing a place in the European quarter-finals against Barcelona next month.
Barcelona would be very well placed to send Rayo to Camp Nou after the match. beat Newcastle 7-2 on wednesday.
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Rafinha has been on fire with five goals in his last two games for Barcelona. He scored a hat-trick in the final game against Sevilla in a 5-2 win, and added two goals against Newcastle.
Kylian Mbappé played the final 20 minutes against City after missing several games with a knee injury. Arbeloa will now have to decide whether his star striker is ready to start against Atlético or whether he is best used off the bench.
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madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffers muscle strain Andriy Lunin will be between the posts against Atlético because he injured the upper part of his right foot in the game against City.
Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak missed the last match due to a torso muscle injury and is doubtful for the derby.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joao García also missed the midweek Champions League game due to injury fears, but the club announced on Thursday that he is OK and will be available for Rayo.
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