La Liga Preview: Pressure On Real Madrid As In-Form Barcelona Face Osasuna

‎La Liga returns this weekend with a captivating set of fixtures that could significantly alter the dynamics at the top of the table.

‎Real Madrid arrive at a crossroads after consecutive defeats, Barcelona continue to build momentum under Hansi Flick, Atlético Madrid hope to steady the ship following two league losses, and Espanyol quietly push for a Champions League place.

‎Here is a detailed look at each matchup, the storylines shaping them, and what to expect when the action begins.

‎Alavés vs Real Madrid

‎Real Madrid Searching for Stability

‎Real Madrid travel to Mendizorrotza under growing scrutiny. Xabi Alonso’s side have suffered back-to-back defeats, falling 2-0 at home to Celta Vigo in La Liga before losing 2-1 to Manchester City in the Champions League.

‎The performances prompted whistles from supporters at the Bernabéu, adding pressure to a squad that has won just two of its last eight games across all competitions.

‎The loss of form comes at a difficult time, with Madrid now four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona.

‎Another setback this weekend could turn a manageable title chase into a widening gap, particularly with Barcelona playing first.

‎Alavés Confident and Strong at Home

‎Alavés enters the match with belief after a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Real Sociedad and a Copa del Rey triumph earlier this month.

‎With 18 points from 15 matches, Eduardo Coudet’s team sits 11th in the table, and their home record offers further encouragement 14 points collected from eight matches, with just two defeats at Mendizorrotza.

‎Historically, however, Alavés have struggled against Real Madrid. They have beaten the Spanish giants only five times in 44 meetings and have not secured a home victory against them since October 2018.

‎Madrid has also won the last seven encounters between the sides.

‎Team Conditions and Tactical Notes

‎Alavés remain without Nikola Maras due to a knee injury and Facundo Garcés through suspension, while Jon Guridi will need to be assessed before kickoff.

‎Based on their impressive performance against Real Sociedad, Coudet is expected to keep the same starting eleven.

‎With Lucas Boyé, who has three goals this season, leading the line and former Barcelona midfielder Denis Suárez supporting in advanced areas.

‎Real Madrid’s injury list is significantly longer. Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, and three suspended players, Endrick, Fran García, and Álvaro Carreras, are all ruled out.

‎Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, and Kylian Mbappé face late fitness tests. Huijsen returned to training on Friday, but Madrid will avoid taking risks with Mbappé, who missed the Manchester City match due to a knee issue.

‎Jude Bellingham is likely to operate behind Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, while Raúl Asencio may be asked to fill in at left-back due to defensive absences.

‎Prediction

‎Alavés are strong at home and Madrid are under pressure, suggesting a tight contest.

‎However, the visitors’ superior quality should ultimately guide them to a crucial 2–1 victory.

‎Barcelona vs Osasuna 

‎Barcelona in Full Flow

‎Barcelona hosts Osasuna, riding the momentum of six consecutive league victories and a significant 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, where Jules Koundé scored twice.

‎Hansi Flick has revived the Catalan club, who sit four points clear at the top of La Liga with the best attacking record in the division, registering 47 goals in just 16 matches.

‎Their defensive vulnerabilities, however, remain evident. Barcelona has conceded 20 goals this season, more than any other team in the top 12.

‎Even so, their offensive firepower has consistently overshadowed those shortcomings.

‎Osasuna Struggling to Find Rhythm

‎Osasuna have endured a disappointing campaign compared to last season’s impressive ninth-place finish. With 15 points from 15 matches, they occupy 15th place in the standings.

‎While their defensive record is respectable, with only 18 goals conceded, they have struggled significantly in attack, scoring just 14 times all season.

‎Despite their struggles, Osasuna enter this game in improved form following victories over Ebro in the Copa del Rey and Levante in La Liga.

‎Their recent history against Barcelona at Camp Nou is less promising, though; they have lost seven of the last eight meetings in Catalonia.

‎Selection Plans for Both Sides

‎Barcelona remain without Gavi and Dani Olmo due to injuries, while Ronald Araújo is still away for personal reasons.

‎Flick is expected to make minor adjustments from the side that beat Frankfurt, with Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres pushing for starts.

‎Torres has been one of the standout performers this season, scoring 11 goals in 15 league matches.

‎Osasuna travels without Iker Benito, who is recovering from a knee injury, but they are otherwise in strong condition.

‎The experienced striker Ante Budimir is set to lead the line again, supported by Víctor Muñoz, Aimar Oroz, and Rubén García as the visitors attempt to find a more effective attacking rhythm.

‎Prediction

‎Osasuna may find a way to breach Barcelona’s fragile defence, but Flick’s side should have too much quality in the final third. A 3–1 victory for Barcelona appears the most likely outcome.

‎Atlético Madrid vs Valencia

‎Atlético Seeking a Reset

‎Atlético Madrid find themselves at an important juncture in their season. After a seven-match winning run, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona followed by a disappointing 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao. Those results have left them nine points behind Barcelona and in need of a quick response.

‎A 3-2 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League midweek has helped restore belief, and Atlético now returns to a ground where they have been nearly perfect this season.

‎With 22 points from eight home matches, the Wanda Metropolitano remains one of the most difficult venues for visiting teams.

‎Valencia Still Unconvincing Away from Home

‎Valencia have enjoyed a steadier run of form in recent weeks and are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions.

‎They have drawn with Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, and Sevilla while defeating Levante, signaling that Carlos Corberán has instilled greater discipline in the squad.

‎However, their away results remain a major concern, with only three points collected from seven matches. History also weighs heavily against them Valencia have not beaten Atlético away from home since February 2011.

‎Prediction

‎Valencia’s resilience may keep them competitive, but Atlético’s formidable home form should prove decisive. A 2–0 win for the home side seems the expected outcome.

‎Getafe vs Espanyol 

‎Espanyol Pushing Toward Europe

‎One of the season’s most compelling stories has been Espanyol’s gradual rise into contention for a Champions League place.

‎With eight wins from 15 matches and a current run of three consecutive victories, the Catalan side finds itself fifth in the table and within touching distance of Atlético Madrid.

‎This surge represents a remarkable turnaround from last season’s 14th-place finish. Under Manolo González, Espanyol have shown greater discipline, structure, and efficiency in both attack and defence.

‎Getafe Strong at Home but Inconsistent Overall

‎Getafe continues to be one of La Liga’s most unpredictable teams.

‎They sit eighth with 20 points from 15 matches and remain very much in the hunt for a European push. Their home form has been particularly solid, with only two defeats in seven matches at the Coliseum.

‎While they fell 2-0 to Villarreal last time out, they had won two of their previous three matches, including a tight 1-0 victory over Elche.

‎The recent history of this fixture suggests a close affair. Each of the last four meetings between Getafe and Espanyol has finished 1-0, with both teams winning twice.

‎Team News and Approach

‎Getafe will be without Luis Milla, who was sent off in the loss to Villarreal, and will remain without Davinchi through injury. José Bordalás is not expected to make major changes, with Samuel Lino and Borja Mayoral, who have a combined nine goals this season, set to lead the attack.

‎Espanyol must cope without Tyrhys Dolan due to suspension, and Javi Puado remains sidelined with a knee injury.

‎Charles Pickel is the most likely replacement for Dolan, while the rest of the starting lineup is expected to remain unchanged from the side that defeated Rayo Vallecano.

‎Prediction

‎Espanyol’s strong form makes them slight favourites, but Getafe’s resilience at home suggests that the match may end in a shared result. A 1–1 draw appears the most probable outcome.