La Liga Preview: Real Madrid Must Win As Barcelona Faces Villarreal In Crucial Clash

‎La Liga serves up a compelling weekend of football as the Spanish top flight edges closer to the winter break.

‎With the title race finely poised, European hopefuls pushing for momentum, and relegation-threatened sides desperate for points, the upcoming round promises drama at both ends of the table.

‎From Real Madrid’s pursuit of Barcelona at the summit to a heavyweight clash at Estadio de la Cerámica, there is no shortage of intrigue.

‎Real Madrid vs Sevilla: 

‎Real Madrid will be looking to secure a third consecutive victory in all competitions when they welcome Sevilla to the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night.

‎Los Blancos currently sit second in the La Liga standings, four points behind leaders Barcelona, and anything short of a win would be considered a setback given the circumstances.

‎Xabi Alonso’s side endured a nervy midweek outing in the Copa del Rey, where they survived a late scare from third-tier CF Talavera to progress with a 3-2 victory.

‎That followed a hard-fought 2-1 league win away at Alaves last weekend, a result that steadied the ship after a brief wobble.

‎With Barcelona facing a tricky test against Villarreal, Madrid knows this weekend could offer a chance to apply serious pressure at the top.

‎The historical context heavily favours the hosts. Sevilla have not beaten Real Madrid away in La Liga since December 2008, and Los Blancos are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Saturday’s opponents.

‎Sevilla have lost 11 of their last 13 encounters with Madrid, including defeats at home and away in 2024 and 2025.

‎Despite that record, Sevilla head into the match with renewed confidence after a dominant 4-0 victory over Real Oviedo last weekend.

‎That result moved them up to ninth place and kept them within touching distance of the European spots. Matías Almeyda’s side has been competitive away from home this season, losing just one of their last four matches in all competitions.

However, their Copa del Rey run came to an end midweek following a narrow defeat to Alavés.‎

‎Both teams are dealing with extensive injury lists. Real Madrid remain without several key figures, particularly in defence, while Sevilla are also stretched due to injuries and AFCON absences.

‎Kylian Mbappé is expected to start despite carrying a knee issue, underlining the importance of the fixture.

‎Sevilla, meanwhile, will welcome back Isaac Romero from suspension, with Alexis Sánchez set to partner him in attack.

‎The expectation is that Sevilla will make this uncomfortable, but Madrid’s home form and attacking quality should see them edge the contest.

‎A narrow victory for the hosts appears the most likely outcome.

‎Osasuna vs Alaves: 

‎Saturday also brings an important encounter at El Sadar Stadium, where Osasuna and Alaves meet in a match that could have significant implications in the lower half of the table.

‎Osasuna are currently 16th, level on points with the relegation zone, while Alaves sit 12th but are only three points clear of danger.

‎Osasuna’s struggles this season have come as a surprise after last year’s impressive ninth-place finish. Alessio Lisci’s side suffered defeat to Barcelona last weekend but have been far more reliable at home, where they have picked up the bulk of their points.

‎A midweek Copa del Rey win over Huesca has also provided a morale boost heading into this fixture.

‎Recent history favours the hosts, with Alaves winless in their last 11 meetings against Osasuna, eight of which have ended in defeat.

‎That psychological edge could prove important, particularly given Alaves’ difficulties on the road, where they have managed just one win all season.

‎Alaves arrive after a narrow league defeat to Real Madrid but will take confidence from their Copa del Rey victory over Sevilla in midweek.

‎Eduardo Coudet’s side have been inconsistent, yet remain competitive, with Carlos Vicente and Lucas Boye key figures in the final third.

‎With Osasuna strong at home and Alaves struggling away, this contest looks finely balanced. A draw appears a realistic outcome, though a narrow home win would not be a shock.

‎Villarreal vs Barcelona: 

‎Sunday afternoon’s headline act takes place at Estadio de la Cerámica, where league leaders Barcelona face a Villarreal side enjoying an outstanding domestic campaign.

‎Barcelona have been the benchmark team in La Liga this season, but Villarreal sit third with two games in hand and are very much part of the title conversation.

‎Both teams enter the clash on remarkable league-winning runs, with Barcelona winning seven straight matches and Villarreal six.

‎While the Yellow Submarine suffered cup defeats in recent days, their league form has been exceptional, built on the division’s best defensive record.

‎Marcelino’s side will take encouragement from Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities, although the Catalan giants have been devastating in attack, scoring 49 league goals so far. Hansi Flick’s team has shown an ability to outscore opponents even when not at their defensive best, and their confidence is sky-high heading into the winter break.

‎Villarreal will be without several key players due to injury and AFCON, but they remain a formidable unit at home. Barcelona also has notable absences, with Pedri a major doubt and several regulars sidelined, leaving Flick with important selection decisions in midfield and attack.

‎This match has all the hallmarks of a classic, with Villarreal’s organisation set to be tested by Barcelona’s firepower. The contrast in styles should make for an open, high-quality contest with chances at both ends.

‎While a draw would not be surprising, Barcelona’s attacking depth may once again tip the balance in a thrilling encounter.