After a brief pause for the international break, La Liga returns this weekend with an exciting encounter between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid on Saturday night. Both teams head into the match with significant injury concerns, making squad depth and adaptability key factors in determining the outcome.
Real Madrid, who sit near the top of the table after a strong start to the season, will be missing several of their regulars due to injuries. Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Aurelian Tchouameni, and David Alaba are all sidelined. Additionally, star midfielder Jude Bellingham is doubtful after suffering a muscle issue before the international break. These injuries have left manager Carlo Ancelotti with a serious selection dilemma, particularly in defense and midfield.
Ancelotti’s primary challenge lies in filling the gaps in the heart of his defense. With Militao and Alaba unavailable, the Italian coach may have to rely on either Dani Carvajal or Jesus Vallejo to partner Antonio Rudiger in central defense. While Rudiger’s presence provides some stability, the absence of key players forces Ancelotti to reshuffle his tactical setup. The midfield is also significantly weakened, with Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Ceballos all unavailable, putting extra pressure on players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to carry the workload.
Real Sociedad are also struggling with a series of injuries that have hindered their campaign thus far. The team has lost both of their home games this season and faces more challenges with the absence of key players. Star forward Mikel Oyarzabal is out with a twisted ankle, while Hamari Traore is sidelined for the rest of the season. Creative midfielder Brais Mendez is also unavailable, along with defenders Aritz Elustondo and Alvaro Odriozola, leaving coach Imanol Alguacil without a natural right-back for this clash.
Both teams will be eager to claim the three points, with Real Sociedad looking to improve their home form and Real Madrid aiming to maintain their momentum despite their injury crisis.
Sevilla and Getafe Battle for First Win of the Season
On Saturday, Sevilla and Getafe will go head-to-head, both teams searching for their first win of the season. Sevilla, who have struggled in the opening weeks, will be without defender Loric Bade, who is dealing with a muscle injury. Both clubs will be desperate to turn their fortunes around, with Sevilla especially eager to break free from the bottom half of the table.
Getafe, meanwhile, have shown flashes of potential but have failed to capitalize on opportunities. This match presents a crucial chance for both sides to kickstart their campaigns.
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Sunday Kicks Off with Celta Vigo vs. Valladolid
Sunday’s action begins with Celta Vigo hosting Valladolid. Valladolid enter the game hoping to recover from a humiliating 7-0 loss to Barcelona before the break. The team has had two weeks to regroup, but they face a Celta Vigo side that excels in attacking football, particularly at home. Valladolid will need to tighten up defensively if they are to avoid another heavy defeat.
Catalan Derby: Girona vs. FC Barcelona
The highlight of Sunday’s fixtures is the Catalan derby between Girona and Barcelona. Girona, who defeated Barcelona twice last season, have shown promising form heading into this match. After making several key additions over the summer, including the arrival of forward Arnaut Danjuma, Girona looks like a team capable of causing an upset once again.
Barcelona, the only team in La Liga with a 100% record this season, will look to maintain their perfect start. However, injuries and fatigue from international duty could play a role, with key players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha needing to recover quickly from their commitments. Manager Xavi Hernandez will need to manage his squad carefully to ensure they stay fresh for the derby.
Athletic Club Bilbao at Full Strength vs. Las Palmas
Athletic Club Bilbao will travel to Las Palmas on Sunday, confident of securing a victory with their full-strength squad. Las Palmas, on the other hand, are struggling with an 18-match winless streak, which has left them in dire need of points. Bilbao, who narrowly won their last game against Atletico Madrid, will be looking to capitalize on Las Palmas’ poor form.
Atletico Madrid vs. Valencia
Sunday’s final match sees Atletico Madrid host Valencia at the Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico, who were fortunate to secure a win against Bilbao before the break, will be looking to improve their performances as they take on a struggling Valencia side. Valencia have only managed to earn one point from their first four matches and are now without forward Hugo Duro, who is out due to injury.
Valencia’s struggles have been compounded by off-field distractions, with Rafa Mir’s arrest on allegations of sexual assault dominating headlines during the international break. Mir will play no part in Sunday’s match, further limiting Valencia’s attacking options.
James Rodriguez Set for Rayo Vallecano Debut
The final match of the round will take place on Monday night, with Rayo Vallecano set to host Osasuna. The game will be especially significant for Rayo, as star signing James Rodriguez is expected to make his home debut at Vallecas Stadium. Rodriguez, who recently joined the club, will be looking to make an immediate impact and help his side secure a vital victory.
As La Liga returns, the weekend’s matches promise plenty of drama and excitement, with injuries and key absences likely to shape the outcomes.
