MADRID, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu is the standout game in La Liga this weekend.

The third meeting between the two teams in 2024 comes after Real beat Atletico 5-3 in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal in Saudi Arabia, and Atletico knocked their neighbors out of the Copa del Rey two weeks ago.

The fact that both of those games went to extra time implies that Sunday's duel will once again be a close game, although Atletico's side may be slightly conditioned by the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal next Wednesday.

Real Madrid went top of the table after beating Getafe 2-0 on Thursday night, but Carlo Ancelotti has a problem in central defense after Antonio Rudiger left the game injured, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who would probably have been his replacement, picked up his fifth booking of the season and is suspended.

The round of games kicks off on Friday night in the San Mames Stadium as Athletic Bilbao entertain Mallorca in a game between Copa del Rey semifinalists with different aims in La Liga.

Athletic are fifth in the table and still have a chance of a top-four finish, while Mallorca can't afford to drop too many points as they are only four points clear of the relegation zone.

Valencia, who lost central defender Gabriel Paulista to Atletico Madrid during the week, take on Almeria, who are still seeking a win this season, before second-from-bottom Granada have a vital match at home to Las Palmas.

Granada have strengthened through the transfer window, but three consecutive losses leave them with just 11 points and two wins all season, and the continued failures of the teams above them means they still have a chance of survival.

Three consecutive wins have lifted Alaves 10 points clear of the relegation zone and they will fancy their chances at home to Barcelona, who had a narrow win at home to Osasuna on Wednesday.

That game saw Ferran Torres added to Barca's long injury list, which already includes Raphinha, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Alex Balde, Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix and Sergi Roberto, further limiting the options of coach Xavi Hernandez, who is now counting down the days until his departure.

Girona entertain Real Sociedad on Sunday knowing a win would put the pressure back on Real Madrid ahead of their derby. Real Sociedad are without left-backs Aihen Munoz and Kieran Tierney, as well as having major doubts over Ander Barrenetxea, Aritz Elustondo and Carlos Fernandez, and with Take Kubo and Hamari Traore both still away on international duty.

With a cup visit to Mallorca in midweek, Real Sociedad coach Imanol is likely to give minutes to members of his club's B-team.

Villarreal's win at the Camp Nou last week gave an important boost to Marcelino Garcia Toral's side, while the arrival of Manuel Pellegrino saw Cadiz battle to a 0-0 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao. Although the point is valuable, Cadiz have now gone 18 games without a win in La Liga.

The pressure is piling on Celta Vigo coach Rafa Benitez, who has lost the support of the home fans, and defeat away to Osasuna could see his side drop into the bottom three and perhaps cost him his job.

Celta have missed Swedish forward Williot Swedberg who suffered a calf injury.

Real Betis take on Getafe on Sunday, with the visitors handicapped by the fact it will be their third game in just seven days after playing Real Madrid on Thursday night.

The round of matches will end on Monday as Rayo Vallecano entertain Sevilla. Enditem

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