Analysis: Four things to look out for in Spain's Matchday 26

2021-03-05 13:35:47 GMT2021-03-05 21:35:47(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

MADRID, March 5 (Xinhua) -- There is one standout game in the 26th round of games in La Liga as Atletico Madrid entertain neighbors Real Madrid in a game that will go a long way to deciding the destiny of this season's title. Here are some things to look out for this weekend in Spain.

1. Decisive Madrid derby

Real Madrid travel to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium five points behind Atletico Madrid and with one game more than their neighbors and league leaders, Atletico.

A win for Real Madrid would put them right back in the title race, while (despite recent slip-ups) you have to think that three points for Atletico would just about end Real Madrid's challenge.

Real Madrid beat Atletico 1-0 at home earlier this season and will take heart from recent meetings between the two sides, which see them unbeaten in their last 10 games against Atletico, with seven of those games ending all square and Real Madrid winning three.

2. Benzema could be vital

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane will welcome Karim Benzema back for the game after the striker has missed the past three weeks through injury.

Benzema has been missed with Madrid scoring just one goal in each of their last three matches, with Mariano Diaz (who is now out injured as well) struggling to replace the Frenchman who has netted 12 goals in La Liga this season.

Atletico Madrid's defense has been less trustworthy in recent matches with last Sunday's 2-0 win against Villarreal the first time they have kept a clean sheet in 9 games. The return of right backs Sime Vsraljko and Kieran Trippier has returned to balance to the Atletico back line and with chances likely to be at a premium Benzema will be vital.

3. Tough test for Barca in Pamplona

FC Barcelona will travel to play Osasuna buoyed by their qualification for the final of the Copa del Rey after overturning a 2-0 first leg defeat to Sevilla with a 3-0 win after extra time on Wednesday.

Those intense 120 minutes of football took their toll with Ousmane Dembele suffering a calf injury which will keep him out on Saturday, Gerard Pique also twisted a knee ligament, while Ronald Araujo is also out after suffering a relapse of his ankle injury.

With Barca only five points behind Atletico Madrid and level of points with Real Madrid, a win in Pamplona will improve their league situation but they have to be wary of a side that has won 3 of their last four games to climb away from the relegation zone.

4. Real Sociedad to continue their recovery at Levante's expense

Real Sociedad deserved their draw away to Real Madrid on Monday night and they will expect to build on that when they entertain Levante on Sunday.

The draw in Valdebebas ended a three-game winning run for 'La Real' but is all the more creditable for coming without suspended midfielders Mikel Merino and Asier Illaramendi, both of whom will return on Sunday.

Meanwhile striker Alexander Isak will once again be the Basque side's main threat as he looks to add to his 12 league goals this season -- 9 of which have come since the New Year.

Levante travel after suffering Copa del Rey heartbreak on Thursday after losing 2-1 at home after extra time by Athletic Club -- a defeat which ended their dreams on a first ever cup final appearance with 120 minutes intense football certain to have taken a toll on their legs as well as their morale. Enditem

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