MADRID, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Both FC Barcelona and league leader Atletico Madrid play in the south of Madrid this weekend as the second half of the La Liga season kicks off. Meanwhile, Valencia faces a tough decision ahead of a crucial game. Here's what to watch as the action unfolds:

1. Getafe to test Barcelona

Barcelona visits Getafe with morale high after a 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup and a 5-1 demolition of Real Betis on Wednesday. Hansi Flick's side dominated in both matches but should approach Getafe with caution.

The Alfonso Perez Coliseum has been a challenging venue for Barcelona in recent years. The team's last three visits to Getafe ended in 0-0 draws, while its last win there came in September 2019. In October 2020, Barca lost 1-0, failing to score in four consecutive matches at the ground.

Expect a dry pitch, long grass, and Getafe's efforts to disrupt Barcelona's fluid style of play. While Barcelona is favored, three points are far from guaranteed.

2. Atletico too strong for Leganes

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid has regained its trademark defensive solidity and looks well-prepared for the second half of the season. Summer signings have settled in, with Alexander Sorloth netting twice in the Copa del Rey win over Elche and Alvarez complementing Antoine Griezmann's creativity.

Atletico visits Leganes on Saturday for a short trip against a hardworking and organized side. While Leganes makes the most of its limited resources, Atletico's quality should see it secure a narrow win.

3. Mbappe shines, but Real Madrid looks shaky

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals after a controversial 5-2 extra-time win over Celta Vigo on Thursday. Kylian Mbappe has been a bright spot, scoring in his last two appearances, but Real Madrid's defense remains a concern.

Las Palmas, despite last weekend's loss to Getafe, has shown improvement under coach Diego Martinez. After 120 minutes on Thursday, Madrid could be vulnerable to an upset if Las Palmas plays bravely.

4. Sadiq's dilemma for Valencia

Valencia, sitting at the bottom of La Liga, hosts Real Sociedad on Sunday in desperate need of points. The team recently acquired Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq on loan from Sociedad, and he scored in Valencia's 2-0 Copa del Rey win on Tuesday.

However, playing Sadiq against his parent club would require Valencia to pay an additional €300,000 fee. The decision poses a dilemma: spend the money for a stronger lineup or save it and field a weaker side in a vital match. Enditem

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