MADRID, March 29 (Xinhua) -- La Liga returns after the international break with the 30th round of games and key matches in Madrid, Barcelona, Girona and Villarreal. Here are some things to look forward to this weekend in Spain.

1. Dilemma for Valverde in Bernabeu

Athletic Bilbao visit league leaders Real Madrid a week ahead of their encounter with Mallorca in the final of the Copa del Rey.

The Basque side is looking to end a 40-year wait to win the Cup after their last triumph in 1984, and the excitement ahead of the final is palpable in Bilbao. They are also fourth in the league and currently in line to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

The dilemma for coach Ernesto Valverde is clear: does he rest key players, such as Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta against Madrid to ensure they are 100 percent for the Cup final, or does he go all out against a Real Madrid side without the suspended Vinicius Jr?

Whatever Valverde decides, someone will disagree with it.

2. More injuries but Barca should beat Las Palmas

The international break came as FC Barcelona were playing some of their best football of the season, despite the continued absence of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.

Neither is likely to return against Las Palmas on Saturday night as Barca look to keep some pressure on Real Madrid, three weeks before the second 'Clasico' of the season in La Liga.

Andreas Christensen has also joined Barca's injury list, while Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski have muscle problems and might not be risked with the 'Clasico' and the Champions League quarterfinals around the corner.

Barca will again look to 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who was outstanding in midweek for Spain, while Las Palmas seemed to run out of steam before the break and have gone five games without a win.

The side coached by former Barca B-team boss Garcia Pimienta have had two weeks to refresh their legs, but Barca should have too much for them despite the injuries.

3. Girona need to recover their consistency

Three defeats in their last five games look to have ended Girona's dream of winning the league title, and thoughts have now turned to assuring a top-four finish.

Girona coach Michel will be without inspirational winger Savio due to suspension for the visit of Real Betis, while Yangel Herrera and David Lopez are injured and striker Artem Dovbyk could be rested after helping Ukraine to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2024 this week.

Real Betis visit Girona after three consecutive defeats have led to coach Manuel Pellegrini being questioned, and they need to stop the rot to keep their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Girona have been solid at home, but this is a big test for both sides.

4. In-form Villarreal a threat to Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid were overtaken by Athletic Bilbao in fourth place just before the international break, but if Athletic Bilbao fail to win away to Real Madrid, that will give Atletico the chance to leapfrog them again in the table if they win in Villarreal on Monday night.

That will be easier said than done, with Jose Gimenez and Mario Hermoso injured, while Rodrigo de Paul and Nahuel Molina are suspended to face La Liga's in-form side.

Marcelino Garcia Toral has finally found the balance that was missing in Villarreal earlier in the season, with Alex Baena, Alexander Sorloth and Gerard Moreno combining well in attack, Dani Parejo returning to form in midfield and Aissa Mandi solid in defense.

Marcelino was manager of the month for March and with four consecutive wins, Villarreal are a big challenge for Atletico. Enditem

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