Struggling Barcelona and Unsteady Real Madrid Seek La Liga Confidence Lift
Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions, and Real Madrid, the present league frontrunners, aim to regain some assurance this weekend in La Liga following difficult evenings in the Champions League.
Barca will welcome Alaves on Saturday, whereas Madrid will travel to face Girona on Sunday, with the leading duo striving to hold off the surging duo of Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, who trail closely behind.
Barcelona endured a confidence-shattering 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Tuesday, while Real Madrids backline faltered noticeably by shipping three goals to Greek outfit Olympiacos, yet they secured a 4-3 win courtesy of four strikes from Kylian Mbappe.
Following the substantial setback in London, Barca manager Hansi Flick appeared baffled and searched for any silver linings.
"I observe our training sessions, the skill level, the vigour. It is entirely unlike perhaps six weeks earlier," he shared with journalists.
"Squad members are returning, enhancing the standard in practice. I hold a favourable outlook on that and remain upbeat."
The Chelsea reverse marked the initial occasion in 2025 that Flicks Barca failed to find the net.
Raphinha has featured in a few cameo roles during his recovery from injury, and the Brazilian could assume a more prominent position when Alaves arrive at the revitalised Camp Nou.
"You can tell I am pleased that Raphinha has returned... Marcus (Rashford) has regained his form post-flu, Pedri will rejoin (from injury shortly)," Flick noted.
Barcas inaugural Camp Nou outing in two-and-a-half years resulted in a 4-0 routing of Athletic Bilbao last Saturday, and replicating that against Alaves would temporarily mask certain vulnerabilities.
Such a result would elevate last seasons champions temporarily to the summit of La Liga, given Madrids recent point losses in their prior two domestic fixtures, including the outing at promoted Elche last weekend.
Alonsos side hold a one-point advantage over Barca atop the standings after that underwhelming 2-2 stalemate, plus a barren draw versus Rayo Vallecano prior to the November international window.
Girona sit 18th following a sluggish beginning to the season.
Star French forward Mbappe dominated proceedings as Real prevailed in Athens on Wednesday, snapping a three-match winless streak spanning all tournaments.
Alonso remarked that the success proved vital for the squad to resume a victorious rhythm, which he intends to extend at Montilivi.
The manager has faced criticism, with certain Spanish outlets claiming his charges, such as winger Vinicius Junior, lack faith in him.
"We stand together, aware that the campaign will prove lengthy and challenging. Various phases will arise, yet cohesion remains essential: that trust among us," Alonso stated.
Player to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal
Real Sociedad attacker Oyarzabal has shown strong performances lately, aiding his sides climb up the rankings after an initial slump and bolstering his case as Spains primary forward for next years World Cup. Ambitious Villarreal head to San Sebastian on Sunday, where the La Real captain seeks to boost his recent haul of three goals and two assists across his previous four La Liga outings.
Key stats
12 - La Liga games without defeat for Atletico Madrid
53 - consecutive matches in which Barcelona netted until their 3-0 Champions League defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday
1125 - ball contacts by Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Carreras, surpassing all other players in the division this term
Fixtures
Friday (all times GMT)
Getafe v Elche (2000)
Saturday
Mallorca v Osasuna (1300), Barcelona v Alaves (1515), Levante v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Atletico Madrid v Real Oviedo (2000)
Sunday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (1300), Sevilla v Real Betis (1515), Celta Vigo v Espanyol (1730), Girona v Real Madrid (2000)
Monday
Rayo Vallecano v Valencia (2000)