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Preview: Four things to look out for in Spain's Matchday 13

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, November 8, 2024
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MADRID, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- La Liga prepares for the third international break of the season with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in very different situations. Barca can't stop scoring, while consecutive home defeats have plunged Real Madrid into crisis. Here is what to look out for this weekend in Spain.

1. Must-win for Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid is at home to a rugged Osasuna in a moment of crisis after consecutive home defeats at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, during which they have conceded seven goals.

The sporting press has criticized Ancelotti's side for a lack of organization in midfield and attack. Kylian Mbappe has missed several chances while also failing to contribute defensively.

Suddenly, there is talk of Ancelotti's job being in danger, which may seem harsh on a coach who won a domestic and European double last season. Nonetheless, the Italian needs a convincing win, which may not be easy against a well-organized rival, and in Ante Budimir, Osasuna has a striker capable of troubling Madrid's leaky defense.

2. Barca can't stop scoring

FC Barcelona's 5-1 win away to Red Star Belgrade means they have scored 17 goals in the last four games, including a 4-0 victory away to Real Madrid.

Teams try to beat Barca's high defensive line, but rivals repeatedly fall into the offside trap, while the high press allows Barca to start attacks deep into the opponent's territory.

Robert Lewandowski has scored 14 goals in La Liga this season, while Raphinha has netted seven times, while also working incredibly hard for the cause.

Real Sociedad are an enigma this season, with poor home form that would place them in the bottom three, but away results that could qualify them for Europe if replicated at home. Barca will need to be cautious of a side with Jekyll and Hyde tendencies.

3. Jury still out on Atletico Madrid

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved Atletico Madrid from a heavy defeat with a series of fantastic saves before Angel Correa's injury-time goal secured an unlikely Champions League win away to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

Atletico have faced criticism for their play this season, and despite three wins in three games, a big question mark still hangs over Diego Simeone's side.

Sunday's visit to a Mallorca side that has conceded only nine goals this season, with just three at home, presents another significant test for Atletico. Will they manage to ride their luck once again?

4. Postponement of Espanyol v Valencia gives a chance to relegation rivals

The game between fourth-from-bottom Espanyol and bottom-of-the-table Valencia has been postponed due to the severe floods affecting the Valencia region.

However, it gives second-from-bottom Real Valladolid, who have a challenging game at home to Athletic Bilbao, third-bottom Las Palmas, who will play Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe, who faces Celta, a chance to create some distance from Valencia.

While Valencia will have games in hand, with the pressure of the relegation zone, sometimes it's better to have points in the bag. Enditem

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