May 2, Madrid  This weekend marks La Liga’s much awaited return after over a week of football-related activities, albeit with a lingering hangover from Copa del Rey.

A number of athletic advancements have prepared the ground for this return.  FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 to win the Copa del Rey in an exciting contest that went to extra time.  The same Barcelona team then put up a fierce fight to tie 3-3 with Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s future as head coach of Real Madrid is still a contentious issue.  Ancelotti has chosen to keep quiet about this ongoing drama despite the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) desire in recruiting the Italian to coach their national team.  Two front-runners have emerged in the ongoing speculation over who will lead the Brazilian team: former Madrid player Xabi Alonso and German manager Jurgen Klopp.

In a tragic turn of events, the football community lamented the passing of Manolo el del Bombo, a cherished supporter who was known for his colorful drum painted with the colors of the Spanish flag and who attended ten World Cups and eight European Championships.

 Positively, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal has been in the news lately following a strong performance against Inter in the first leg.  In addition to scoring a goal, the youthful player was instrumental in Barcelona’s victory in the draw.

Yamal, who was born in Esplugas de Llobregat to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, is considered to be one of Spain’s most promising young people.

When Barcelona plays demoted Valladolid on Saturday, head coach Hansi Flick is probably going to rest his main players because the team leads Real Madrid by four points.  This choice is made as they get ready for two crucial games: an El Clásico match against Real Madrid on May 11 that could decide the destiny of the domestic league and a matchup with Inter Milan on May 6 for a position in the Champions League final.

Real Madrid will have to get back together following their recent setbacks when they play Celta Vigo on Sunday, May 4.  The team needs to come together and avoid going into the Clásico in a state of disarray since they have pride at risk after losing the Copa del Rey and getting kicked out of the Champions League.