MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid’s bid to catch Barcelona and win La Liga faces a tough test in this weekend’s derby in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid on Sunday and trail Barcelona by four points with 10 games remaining.
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A win would ensure Real stay close to Barcelona and even move in front of the leaders if Hansi Flick’s side fail against Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day.
But Real Madrid’s defeat coupled with Barcelona’s victory will put Barcelona in a good position to successfully defend the title.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are all feeling good after knocking out their English rivals in the last 16 of the Champions League this week.
key match
Real Madrid will seek revenge for a 5-2 defeat by Atletico Madrid in their first league match at the Metropolitano Stadium in September.
The result began the downfall of then-coach Xavi Alonso.
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Real Madrid suffered some heavy defeats under Alvaro Arbeloa, but Alonso’s successor received a huge boost after his side comfortably beat Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Atletico are third in La Liga, a full 13 points behind Barcelona.
Atletico beat Tottenham 7-5 on aggregate in the Champions League this week and will face Barcelona in the European quarter-finals next month.
After Barcelona’s 7-2 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday, Barcelona will have a very good chance of sending Rayo to Camp Nou.
Players to watch
Raphinha is in hot form after scoring five goals in his last two games for Barcelona. He scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Sevilla in the last round and scored twice against Newcastle.
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Kylian Mbappe missed several games with a knee injury and played the final 20 minutes against Manchester City. Arbeloa must now decide whether his star striker is ready to start against Atletico, or whether it would be best to bring him on as a substitute.
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Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a torn muscle in his right leg against Manchester City, meaning Andre Lunin will be between the posts against Atletico Madrid.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak is doubtful for the derby after missing the last game with a torso muscle injury.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia also missed midweek’s Champions League match through injury, but his club said on Thursday he was fit enough to feature against Rayo.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
