分享缩略图
 

Big names back for Barca in La Liga

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, October 18, 2024
Adjust font size:

La Liga returns to action after the international break this weekend with league leaders Barcelona at home to Sevilla, while Real Madrid travel to play Celta a week before the two sides go head-to-head in the first 'Clasico' of the season.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick should have Dani Olmo back after his hamstring injury, while Lamine Yamal should be available after withdrawing from the Spain squad with a muscle strain.

Lamine Yamal (R) of Barcelona vies with Pacha Espino of Rayo Vallecano during the Spanish league (La Liga) football match in Madrid, Spain, Aug. 27, 2024. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Midfielder Gavi could also get the go ahead to play a year after his knee injury, but Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Marc Bernal, Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Ferran Torres all remain sidelined with various problems for Sunday's game against a Sevilla side whose poor start to the season has improved with two wins and a draw in their last three matches.

Celta Vigo are without star player Iago Aspas and midfielder Ilaix Moriba to receive Real Madrid after they were both controversially sent off in Las Palmas before the break.

Aspas' loss is a huge blow to Celta, with the talismanic striker and captain in fine form so far this season.

Real Madrid should have Eder Militao back in the side, while Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are long-term absentees, although there is a doubt over Thibaut Courtois who is recovering from a groin strain.

The round of matches starts on Friday night when Alaves and Valladolid look to end poor runs of form. Alaves have lost their last three games, (although two of those were against Barca and Real Madrid), while Valladolid are in the relegation zone and without a win since the first day of the season.

Athletic Club have winger Nico Williams fit again to receive Espanyol after a back injury forced him out of Spain duty, but Saturday's match looks to be too soon for Oihan Sancet, who tweaked a hamstring in his side's last game.

Defender Aitor Paredes is suspended, so Unai Nunez will partner Dani Vivian in the heart of the Basque side's defense.

Osasuna are at home to Betis in what looks to be a close game between two evenly matched sides, with Ante Budimir on form for the home side, while Geo Lo Celso has been starring for Betis.

A 96th minute penalty saw Girona win their last home game, against Athletic Club Bilbao and they now entertain a Real Sociedad boosted by a well-deserved draw at home to Atletico before the break.

The problem for Real Sociedad is that their internationals, Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Zubimendi both played key roles in Spain's recent matches and won't be fully fresh.

Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano end Saturday with what promises to be another even match between the sides seventh and eighth in the classification.

Atletico Madrid have been criticized for their play in recent matches, with Diego Simeone under fire for his over-defensive tactics, despite the club's summer spending. Atletico should have too much when they entertain Leganes, who are well-drilled in defense, but lack the firepower to hurt Simeone's side.

Villarreal have been one of the successes at the start of the campaign and their attack of Ayoze Perez, Yeremy Pino, Alex Baena and Arnaut Danjuma, should have too much for a Getafe side that has the dubious honor of being the team that has the ball in play the least amount of time in La Liga.

The round of matches finishes on Monday as new Las Palmas coach Diego Martinez looks for the club's first league win of the season away to a Valencia side also in desperate need of points.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter