Mitch Freeley

La Liga returns after the international break with a fiery Madrid derby, Barca taking on Leganés and an in-form Girona playing Real Sociedad. Ahead of this weekend’s action, we have decided to break down the moments that matter in the Spanish top flight. 

Athleti welcome Real to the Metropolitano

Athletico Madrid will welcome city rivals Real Madrid to the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday evening, in what will be Athleti’s first derby against Real at their new home. Zidane’s side will be looking for a repeat of last season’s 3-0 away league win against Diego Simeone’s team. The match last November saw Cristiano Ronaldo score a hat-trick, making him the highest ever El Derbi scorer in the process. Athleti have drawn their last two games in La Liga against Barcelona and Villareal at their new home a win would go a long way to help the move to the Metropolitano. 

Can Barca break down Leganés? 

League leaders Barcelona head to a vastly improved Leganés side who have started the season well under boss Asier Garitano. Last season Leganés just finished outside the relegation zone, however now they are currently in ninth place in the standings. The side has improved defensively and has conceded just two goals in their last five La Liga games, and this has been central to their improved form. As for Barca, they are undefeated in eight games from the Nou Camp and will be expected to break down Leganés. 

Girona targeting fourth straight win 

Another Catalan side flying high in the league is newly promoted Girona, who have won their last three games in the league. This included the famous 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, in what was the first time that the two sides had ever met. Girona will be looking to continue the momentum they have built up in recent weeks but will have a tough challenge against a Real Sociedad side who have won three of their last five league games on the road. 

Aduriz has to step up for Bilbao

Athleitic Bilbao is currently languishing in fifteenth place in the standings, and are on a poor run in the league, picking up just three points from the last fifteen on offer. The Basque country club will welcome Villareal to the San Mamés knowing that a victory could kick-start their European ambitions. Bilbao will be boosted by the news that current top goalscorer Artiz Aduriz has signed a twelve-month contract extension tying him to the club to June 2019.  Rojiblancos fans will be hoping that the veteran striker can propel their side to a win on Sunday night. 

Zaza looking to keep pace with Messi in Pichichi race

Italian striker Simone Zaza has been in sparkling form for second-placed Valencia this season, scoring nine goals in eleven starts for Los Murciélagos. The former Juventus striker is currently second behind Leo Messi in the race for the Pichichi trophy. Zaza and Valencia head to Barcelona on Sunday evening to take on a struggling Espanyol side who have registered just one win from their last five La Liga outings. Zaza has scored in three of his last four matches on the road in all competitions and will be hoping for another goal to help his side maintain their second place in the La Liga standings.