La Liga leaders Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday because the Spanish prime flight ramps up for an thrilling finish to the season. Madrid have a agency grip on the title race after shaking freed from Catalan minnows Girona earlier than the worldwide break, however Ernesto Valverde’s high-flying Athletic might be difficult opposition on the Santiago Bernabeu. The Basque aspect, within the Copa del Rey last, are combating to safe a prime 4 end and a return to Champions League soccer subsequent season.
Athletic are fourth, some extent away from Diego Simeone’s Atletico in fifth, who face Villarreal on Monday.
Madrid have a snug eight-point lead on champions Barcelona with 9 matches remaining and if they’ll beat Athletic might be assured of holding on to say a 3rd title in 5 seasons.
The Catalans have discovered kind in current weeks after coach Xavi Hernandez stated he would stroll away on the finish of the season, and face Las Palmas at dwelling on Saturday.
Barcelona are unbeaten in 10 matches and thumped Atletico 3-Zero on the Metropolitano stadium of their final outing, exhibiting Madrid they might not relinquish their crown with out a battle.
“All the players are giving their best and are at their best level,” warned Xavi earlier than the worldwide break.
“Now we’re at our best moment of the season, it’s a moment to dream.”
He added: “An eight point advantage is a lot (but) we have a direct clash against them and we will try to do it.”
Real Madrid are near recovering defender Eder Militao from damage though he’s unlikely to face Athletic.
Top goalscorer Jude Bellingham is ready to return to the aspect after a two-match suspension, though he and Fede Valverde returned from worldwide responsibility with minor health issues.
Despite Madrid’s frequent damage issues this season, Ancelotti was constructive concerning the crew’s possibilities of silverware this season.
“I am quite optimistic and we are better than ever,” stated the Italian, earlier than Madrid beat Osasuna of their earlier match.
“We have to be excited for the games to come, we have to be happy, satisfied and hopeful.”
Seven factors away from Atletico, Girona ought to be capable of maintain on to a prime 4 spot, though their kind has dipped badly with 4 defeats of their final six matches.
“Not reaching the Champions League would be a big blow,” admitted coach Michel Sanchez.
Girona host Real Betis, seventh, on Sunday earlier than visiting Atletico Madrid.
Player to look at: Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona winger continues to shine for his membership and nation, enjoying a key position for Spain in opposition to Brazil on Tuesday in an entertaining draw. Barca coach Xavi Hernandez is torn between attempting to not burn out the 16-year-old and permitting him free reign to trigger havoc down the correct wing, with Las Palmas subsequent visiting the Catalan capital on Saturday.
Key stats
3 – Real Betis striker Chimy Avila has been despatched off greater than another participant this season, twice with Osasuna
15 – Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon has saved essentially the most clear sheets
72 – proportion of tackles gained by Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, who not too long ago made his Spain debut at 17
Fixtures
Friday
Cadiz v Granada (2000)
Saturday
Getafe v Sevilla (1300), Almeria v Osasuna (1515), Valencia v Mallorca (1730), Barcelona v Las Palmas (2000)
Sunday
Celta Vigo v Rayo Vallecano (1200), Girona v Real Betis (1415), Alaves v Real Sociedad (1630), Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (1900)
Monday
Villarreal v Atletico Madrid (1900)
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