MADRID, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) — Matchday 22 in La Liga sees Real Madrid play a difficult away game with one eye on the return of the Champions League, while Barcelona have problems in midfield, and two coaches are in danger of the sack. Here are some things to look out for this weekend in Spain.
1. BENZEMA RESTED AHEAD OF ANFIELD CLASH
Real Madrid had few problems brushing past bottom of the table, Elche, 4-0 on Wednesday, but their Tuesday night visit to Liverpool in the Champions League means they have little time to recover ahead of Saturday’s visit to play Osasuna in the El Sadar Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti rotated his side on Wednesday and will do so again in Pamplona, with Karim Benzema once again rested due to a slight muscle problem.
Rodrygo will lead the Real Madrid attack and Vinicius Jr is back after missing out in midweek through suspension.
El Sadar is arguably the most hostile ground Real Madrid have to visit in Spain, and with Real Madrid eight points behind Barcelona, there is no room for error against a rival looking to qualify for Europe.
2. PROBLEMS IN BARCA ENGINE ROOM
Barca’s 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United on Thursday night came at a price, with Pedri suffering a hamstring injury which will put him out of action for around three weeks.
The 20-year-old has been outstanding recently and had started to score goals on a regular basis to add to his all-round play.
With Sergio Busquets also out of action, Barca coach Xavi Hernandez will keep faith in Franck Kessie and probably bring Sergi Roberto into his side for Sunday’s game against Cadiz.
Youngster Pablo Torre could also get a chance as Xavi looks for solutions for next week’s visit to Manchester, where Gavi is also out through suspension.
3. SPORTING GESTURE FROM ATLETICO IN VITAL MATCH
Atletico Madrid have made the sporting gesture to allow Athletic Club Bilbao to wear their traditional red and white home kit in Sunday’s meeting in Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium. The gesture is in recognition of the 125th anniversary of Athletic’s foundation and the fact that Atletico were founded by followers of Athletic Club who moved to the Spanish capital.
Athletic Club travel after coach Ernesto Valverde extended his contract as first team coach for another season and with both sides battling for a place in Europe next season.
A home win would strengthen Atletico’s case for a top-four finish, while three points for the visitors would put them right in the mix.
4. TWO COACHES IN DANGER
Espanyol coach Diego Martinez and Getafe’s Quique Sanchez Flores are both in danger of losing their jobs if results go against this in this round of matches.
Two defeats and a draw in their last three games have left Espanyol just one place above the relegation zone and losing to bottom of the table Elche (who rested players in their midweek defeat to Real Madrid), would leave Diego Martinez in serious danger of the sack.
Martinez’s job is made harder as he will once again be without top scorer, Joselu through injury.
There will be even more drama as second from bottom Getafe take on third bottom Valencia. The visitors named Ruben Baraja as their new coach during the week and will hope he can give them a bounce, while Getafe are without a win since December 30th and defeat to a direct rival would probably be too much for Quique to survive.
Source(s): Xinhua