(Football news) Real Madrid extended their lead at the top to 6 points last matchday and now are 3 points ahead after Sevilla won their home fixture against Elche. Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid to enter the top after a long hard time.
Real Madrid play Villarreal away from home without Karim Benzema. The Frenchman is not fit to be in the squad but Ancelotti is hopeful that he along with Ferland Mendy will be available in the crucial UCL match away at PSG. Ancelotti will be hoping that he can take a 1 or 2 goal lead in the first half itself to try and rest his players for Paris. Villarreal by no means would be an easy opponent as they themselves are 6th on the table. Unai Emery sets his team up in a low block which will make it difficult for Real Madrid to break down especially without Benzema.
After a disappointing loss against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid will host Getafe. The Rojiblancos find themselves 5th on the table after a string of inconsistent and poor performances. Getafe is always a tough away fixture for any La Liga team and Atleti will have to work hard to take something from the game. Antoine Griezmann and Geoffrey Kondogbia are still not fit while Daniel Wass is also out after the injury he suffered against Barcelona. Jose Gimenez will also be unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19. Atletico need some momentum before their UCL clash against Manchester United next week and a victory against Getafe would be a great way to start.
Barcelona travel to Espanyol after their incredible win against Atletico Madrid last week. The Blaugrana have just entered the top 4 and will be keen to keep their place. This season the Catalan side realistically have only the Europa League and a top 4 spot to play. Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet, Memphis Depay, Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto remain unavailable for selection. Dani Alves is suspended after his red card against Atletico which gives Sergino Dest an opportunity to try and get back in the side. Xavi will also have one eye at the Europa League fixture against Napoli on Thursday which is their only hope of a trophy this season.
Also read: Can Real Madrid handle PSG in the UCL RO16 without Karim Benzema?
