Christmas is over and now we all look to fresh beginnings with a new year upon us. Amongst the twenty La Liga clubs, some will look back at 2019 with a smile whilst some will be glad to see the back of it.
However, they don’t have long to reflect as they are straight back into action on the weekend with three games in particular set to steal the show.
Espanyol v Barcelona
It’s top versus bottom in a crucial game for both. However, throw in the fact that this is a derby and the stakes are ramped up further.
Barca occupy top spot but only by two-points from their great rivals Real Madrid and know any slip up could prove fatal.
For Espanyol, the scenario is dire, rock bottom of the table and in desperate need of points, the Budgerigars need to step out of the shadow of their city neighbor even if it is only for ninety minutes or since even further into the relegation mire.
Alaves v Real Betis
Thirteenth versus fifteenth may not normally be a game that grabs the attention but defeat for Alaves could see them dragged straight back into a relegation fight they could really do without.
Alaves find themselves five points outside the drop zone and been considered safe by many for a while now.
However, that may prove to be a false dawn and Betis only a few places above them, defeat could start seeing the bottom six cut adrift whilst victory would keep Betis nervously looking over their shoulders.
Getafe v Real Madrid
Getafe’s eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at the weekend but Real Madrid beware because their city rivals are out to cause an upset.
Currently sat in sixth in La Liga, the Madrid minnows are currently showing up plenty of Spain’s bigwigs and are eyeing the Europa League for next season.
Real will be well aware that any more slip-ups could see Barcelona put daylight between them at top of the table.
It is also just the type of game Real would lose too as on paper they really should win.
