Barcelona and Real Madrid are looking to regain their footing in La Liga after facing setbacks in recent matches. On Saturday, Barcelona will host Alaves, while Real Madrid visits Girona on Sunday. Both teams are eager to improve their standings and fend off challenges from Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, who are closely trailing them.
Recent Struggles for Barcelona and Real Madrid
Barcelona’s recent performance took a hit with a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League. This defeat marked the first time under coach Hansi Flick that Barcelona failed to score in 2025. Flick described the loss as a surprise but expressed optimism about the team’s training quality and player recovery.
- Barcelona lost 3-0 to Chelsea.
- First scoreless match in 2025 for Barcelona.
- Coach Hansi Flick remains positive about team improvements.
Player Updates
Raphinha, recently returning from injury, may play a more significant role against Alaves. Flick noted the positive impact of returning players, including Marcus Rashford and Pedri, who is expected to return soon.
Upcoming Matches
In their last home match at Camp Nou, Barcelona secured a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. A similar performance against Alaves could temporarily propel them back to the top of La Liga. Currently, Barcelona is one point behind Real Madrid, who dropped points in their last two league fixtures.
- Upcoming matches:
- Saturday: Barcelona vs. Alaves
- Sunday: Real Madrid vs. Girona
Real Madrid’s Challenge
Real Madrid faced its own challenges, conceding three goals in a match against Olympiacos, despite a thrilling 4-3 victory thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s four goals. Coach Alonso is under scrutiny as his team now prepares to face Girona, who is currently positioned 18th in La Liga.
Team Dynamics
Alonso emphasized the importance of team unity, acknowledging the difficult season ahead. Reports suggest some players may not fully support the coaching staff, adding pressure as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge.
Key Player to Watch
Mikel Oyarzabal, forward for Real Sociedad, has demonstrated outstanding form recently. With three goals and two assists in four matches, he is crucial for his team’s resurgence and has his sights set on the World Cup.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Unbeaten Matches (Atletico Madrid) | 12 |
| Barcelona’s Scoring Streak | 53 matches |
| Touches by Alvaro Carreras (Real Madrid) | 1125 |
This weekend’s matches could significantly impact the La Liga standings as teams fight to boost their morale and finish the year strong. Fans can look forward to exciting football as these top teams clash on the field.
