(Football news) La Liga is back after a two week hiatus. As it stands Real Madrid are 1 point behind table toppers Real Sociedad with 1 game in hand. Atlético Madrid are 4th while Barcelona are 9th.

Reigning champions Atlético Madrid will host Osasuna in an attempt to get their title defence back on track. Atleti have won 2 and drawn 3 of their last 5 games which is a big concern for Diego Simeone. The Rojiblancos will like to have a good restart before their crucial UCL tie against AC Milan. Osasuna who are currently 7th on the table could jump to 5th place with a win. Atleti will be without Joao Felix and Kieran Trippier who are injured.

Also read: WCL: PSG advance to the knockouts after 2-0 win away at Real Madrid

The Camp Nou will celebrate the return of Xavi this time in the dugout. There have been a lot of talks about the changes Xavi has brought into the Barcelona first team but all that will mean nothing if there are no results on the pitch. Although Dani Alves has also returned to Barcelona, the Brazilian will not be eligible to play until January. Barcelona have Sergino Dest, Martin Braithwaite, Ousmane Dembélé, Sergio Aguero and Ansu Fati. The Blaugrana are expected to play an attacking possession based brand of football but they severely lack attacking options. It will be interesting to see if Xavi uses the 3 at the back system he used at Al Sadd. Barcelona will also have one eye on their must win UCL clash against Benfica. 

Real Madrid will travel to Granada in search of 3 points. Madrid are currently 1 point behind Real Sociedad with a game in hand and Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to be back at the top of the table at the end of the match week. Gareth Bale has once again injured himself on international duty and will be unavailable for the next month or so. Dani Ceballos is still out of contention while Federico Valverde and Rodrygo could return to action.