League action returns to Spain with top-4 playing on Sunday

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, January 3, 2019
Adjust font size:

MADRID, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The 18th round of games in the Spanish Liga Santander are to be played over the coming weekend with league leaders FC Barcelona facing a difficult away game, while Sevilla entertain Atletico Madrid in the standout match.

All of the sides in the top-four play on Sunday as Real Madrid are at home to take on Real Sociedad who have Imanol Alcuacil back in charge after Asier Garitano was sacked in the wake of their home defeat to Alaves before Christmas.

Former B-team boss Imanol also coached Real Sociedad at the end of last season after Eusebio Sacristan had been sacked and is popular with the players, who are thought to have played a major role in Garitano being shown the door.

The big game of the day sees third-placed Sevilla at home play second-placed Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a fascinating affair between two sides that know exactly what they want to do on the pitch.

Pablo Machin's side defend well, but also have pace in attack, while Atletico, who are still without Diego Costa, are experts at keeping things tight and stealing a goal from a set piece or on the break.

Atletico have a doubt over the future of defender Lucas Hernandez, while Sevilla's creative midfielder Pablo Sarabia is being linked with a possible return to Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Finally Barca can expect to work hard when they visit Getafe, who have conceded just four goals at home all season.

Right back Sergi Roberto is fit again for Barca after missing the last month and will dispute the right back position with Nelson Semedo. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde will hope his side can continue their recent away form which saw them score five goals against Levante and four away to Espanyol with Leo Messi at his very best.

Sunday kicks off with Eibar at home to Villarreal. A win for Eibar would give the Basque side breathing space above the drop zone, while Villarreal have had little time to recover after Thursday's home game against Real Madrid.

There is also plenty to whet fans' appetites on Saturday as Espanyol look to end their six-game losing streak against Leganes, who have made themselves tough to beat in recent games.

Just over a month ago Espanyol were looking at the chance of qualifying for Europe, but failure to win this weekend would draw them firmly into the relegation battle.

Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano are next on the agenda in a game between two sides who last season won promotion from the second division and who are working hard not to return there.

Rayo took three points at home from Levante before Christmas and another win would give them a huge boost to their chances of escaping the relegation zone.

Fifth-placed Alaves, who run the risk of losing forward Ibai Gomez to Athletic Club Bilbao this month, are at home to Valencia who would close to within three points of their rivals with a win.

Meanwhile Huesca continue searching for their first home win of the campaign, but will have a tough task against an in-form Betis, who have moved up to sixth.

The round of games ends on Monday when Celta entertain Athletic Club Bilbao. Enditem

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter