(Football news) After no midweek fixtures La Liga is back in action. Real Madrid will start the matchweek 6 points clear at the top of the table. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are level on points at 4th and 5th place but the Blaugrana do have a game in hand.

After their 3-0 victory against Deportivo Alaves, Real Madrid will travel away to Rayo Vallecano. David Alaba and Gareth Bale will miss the game due to injuries but should be back next week. The main goal for Real Madrid will be to improve their performances in the first half as it has become a pattern that they only seem to switch on in the second half. Alaba's absence will definitely be felt in the game and Ancelotti will be hoping that Nacho can do a good job. Rayo have lost 5 out of their last 6 games in all competitions as they sit 11th on the La Liga table. Madrid cannot afford to slip up against any team if they want to keep ahead in the La Liga title race. The next two games are important ones to take the momentum into the return leg against PSG.

Atletico Madrid will host Celta Vigo in an attempt to put pressure on Barcelona in the top 4 race. The Rojiblancos drew 1-1 at home in the first leg of UCL Round of 16 against Manchester United. Diego Simeone has to think hard and fast about how he can turn the situation around. Daniel Wass, Koke and Matheus Cunha are still out with injuries while Luis Suarez could return to the starting XI. Atletico Madrid for the first time since Simeone's appointment are said to be considering a managerial change. Right now Atletico's target for the end of the season will be to secure a top 4 finish and get as far as possible in the Champions League. Celta Vigo are comfortable in the middle of the La Liga table but will be looking for a win after two consecutive draws.

Barcelona on Thursday got an emphatic 4-2 victory away at Napoli to qualify for the Europa League Round of 16. They now prepare to host Athletic Club in an important La Liga clash. Barcelona are 4th in the La Liga table level on points with Atletico Madrid who have played an extra game. Bilbao are 8th on the La Liga table and come into the game after a 4-0 win against Real Sociedad last week. Barcelona are still without Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet, Memphis Depay, Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto while Jordi Alba is suspended. Bilbao on the other hand will be without Nico Willliams, Ander Capa and Mikel Vesga who are injured along with Alex Berenguer who is suspended. The January signings have all had an instant impact and Xavi will be hoping that it continues the same way. 

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