La Liga Weekend Preview: Barcelona Chase Top Spot As Real Madrid Aim To Get Back on Track

‎The La Liga title race tightens once again this weekend as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid all enter decisive fixtures with implications at both ends of the table.

‎From Barcelona’s push to go top to Atletico’s remarkable form and Real Madrid’s effort to stabilise their domestic form, here’s your full, in-depth preview of a crucial round of matches.

‎Barcelona vs Alaves

‎Barcelona return to domestic action on Saturday afternoon hoping to reclaim top spot in La Liga, as Hansi Flick’s side hosts Alaves at Camp Nou.

‎The Catalans returned to their refurbished home stadium with a statement 4–0 win over Athletic Bilbao last weekend, but their momentum was checked midweek by a sobering 3–0 defeat away to Chelsea in the Champions League.

‎Barcelona:

‎Despite their recent struggles in Europe, Barcelona have quietly strung together three straight league victories, beating Elche, Celta Vigo, and Athletic Bilbao to sit just one point off leaders Real Madrid.

‎Their improvement coincides with a more settled midfield structure, and the potential return of Pedri from a hamstring issue could provide another creative spark.

‎However, Flick must manage the absence of key figures like Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez.

‎A notable shift may also come in attack, with Marcus Rashford expected to replace Robert Lewandowski, who has struggled with form. Defensive reshuffling is also expected after Ronald Araujo’s red card at Stamford Bridge.

‎Alaves: 

‎Alaves arrive at Camp Nou in 14th place with 15 points from 13 games, four clear of the relegation zone. They continue to seek greater consistency under Eduardo Coudet, who has helped solidify the team since taking over.

‎Their recent record against Barcelona is poor, five straight defeats, and they haven’t beaten the Catalans since a memorable 2–1 away victory in 2016. Still, with Carlos Vicente in strong form (five goals and two assists), Alaves have the weapons to ask questions.

‎Barcelona vs Alaves (Predicted Lineups) 

‎Barcelona XI:

‎J Garcia; Kounde, E Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Torres

‎Alaves XI:

‎Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Yusi; Vicente, Blanco, Suarez, Alena; Martinez, Boye

‎Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Alaves

‎Alaves should make this competitive and could find the net, but Barcelona’s depth and attacking quality, especially at home, should be enough to secure all three points.

‎Atletico Madrid vs Real Oviedo

‎Atletico Madrid is one of the hottest teams in Spain right now and will be aiming for their seventh straight victory in all competitions when it welcomes Real Oviedo to the Metropolitano.

‎Atletico: 

‎Simeone’s side sits fourth in the table, just four points behind Real Madrid. A run of five straight league wins and back-to-back Champions League victories has completely transformed the mood after a shaky start to the season.

‎Their 2–1 triumph over Inter Milan midweek was a tactical showcase, and with new signings settling well, particularly Julian Alvarez and Alex Baena, Atleti finally look like a complete, dynamic side.

‎Their home record remains exceptional: 19 points from 7 matches, the second-best in the division.

‎Real Oviedo:

‎Back in the top flight for the first time since 2001, Real Oviedo have found the step up punishing. With only nine points from 13 matches, they sit bottom of the table and are the league’s lowest scorers with seven goals.

‎Their away form is worse, five defeats in six, while Ilyas Chaira’s suspension and multiple injuries complicate their preparations.

‎Predicted Lineups

‎Atletico Madrid XI:

‎Musso; Molina, Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez; Alvarez, Baena

‎Real Oviedo XI:

‎Escandell; Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Lopez; Colombatto, Dendoncker; Vinas, Agudin, Cazorla; Rondon

‎Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2–0 Real Oviedo

‎Real Oviedo will battle hard, but Atletico’s intensity, home advantage, and sheer quality should make this a straightforward win.

‎Real Madrid vs Girona

‎Sunday sees league leaders Real Madrid host a struggling Girona side. Despite drawing their last two league games, Madrid remains atop the standings by one point.

‎Real Madrid:

‎Xabi Alonso’s team earned a much-needed boost in the Champions League, beating Olympiacos 4–3 thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s four-goal masterpiece, including a rapid seven-minute hat-trick.

‎However, Madrid’s domestic attacking rhythm has dipped recently, with back-to-back draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche. A return to the Bernabeu should help restore confidence.

‎Girona: 

‎After years of surpassing expectations, Girona find themselves in a relegation fight with just 11 points from 13 matches, sitting 18th.

‎Their defensive frailties and lack of consistency have been costly, and historically they’ve struggled in this fixture losing their last four league meetings by a combined 10–0.

‎Head-to-Head

‎Total meetings: 12

‎Real Madrid wins: 8

‎Girona wins: 3

‎Draws: 1

‎First ever meeting: Girona beat Madrid 2–1 in 2017

‎Last meeting: Real Madrid 2–0 Girona (Feb 2025)

‎Prediction: Real Madrid 3–0 Girona

‎Girona have historically troubled Madrid, but given their form and Madrid’s need to assert control, a comfortable home victory looks most likely.