Analysis: Four things to look out for in Spain's Matchday 26

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MADRID, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The fourth meeting of the season between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is likely to capture most of the headlines this weekend and it comes at a moment of high tension between both clubs. Here are some things to look out for in Spain.

1. Tension in El Clasico

El Clasico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is vital for the destiny of this season's title, as Barca defend a nine-point lead at the top of the table. A win for Barca would just about end this season's title race, while even a draw would be a good result for Xavi Hernandez's side.

However, as well as sporting tensions, the game is also played in the atmosphere of the 'Negreira case,' which has seen criminal investigations opened against Barcelona for payments to the former vice-president of the Spanish referees' technical committee.

Real Madrid have joined the prosecution, with the club's TV network also producing several videos criticizing referees in the past meetings between the two sides. With tension on and off the pitch and the whole football world watching closely, this looks like it will be a really tough game for referee De Burgos Bengoetxea.

2. Which Barca will we see on Sunday?

The last two Clasico have seen two very different versions of FC Barcelona, with the league leaders totally outplaying Real Madrid to win the Spanish Supercup 3-1 in Saudi Arabia in January, before producing an ultra-defensive display in their 1-0 win in the Copa del Rey semifinal at the start of the month.

The Copa del Rey game saw Barcelona have their worst-ever recorded possession stats, but in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real Madrid failed to get a shot on target.

Ronald Araujo kept Vinicius Jr on a tight reign and Franck Kessie impressed alongside Sergio Busquets, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong in a midfield without Pedri.

Pedri should be fit for Sunday, but with a draw still a good result for Barca, Xavi has a big tactical decision to make.

3. Big task for Valencia in Metropolitano

As well as the game between Barca and Real Madrid, there are other vital games taking place and with the international break following this weekend, that gives an added importance to results.

Valencia have improved with two home wins since Ruben Baraja returned to the club as first team coach, but they are just one place above the relegation zone, and a defeat away to Atletico Madrid on Saturday could see them spend an uncomfortable two weeks in the bottom three until their next game.

Atletico's economy has certainly suffered after going out of Europe early, but the team is feeling the benefits of no midweek football, as six wins and two draws in their last eight matches demonstrate.

With Antoine Griezmann in excellent form and Alvaro Morata scoring three goals in two games, this is a tough visit for Valencia, but one they need something from to avoid an awkward two weeks.

4. Huge game in Getafe

There is also a massive game in the battle against relegation as third from bottom Getafe entertain Sevilla, who sit five places but only two points above them.

Getafe have just one defeat in their last six matches, while Sevilla combine battling wins, such as last weekend's 2-1 at home to Almeria, with shocking displays like a 6-1 defeat they suffered a fortnight ago to Atletico Madrid.

With so much at stake and just three points separating 19th from 13th in La Liga, expect this to be a tense match, which could be decided by a moment of magic from someone like Getafe's Enes Unal, or Sevilla's Erik Lamela or Youssef En-Nesyri. Enditem

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