Real Madrid and FC Barcelona ready for mammoth ElClásico

Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona

The greatest rivalry in world football reignites for its latest chapter, one that holds titanic title ramifications even with some 13 games still to play. Real Madrid have let slip a three-point advantage at the top of LaLiga Santander in the last fortnight to now sit two points below their arch-rivals, who have won four-straight. The serious injury to record-signing Eden Hazard, a fractured shin, has only further dampened the mood around the Santiago Bernabeu as they gear up to face FC Barcelona at seemingly the worst possible time. The visitors are unbeaten at the Bernabeu in their last 10 league trips, having won four of those meetings. The earlier ElClasico this season finished 0-0, but a win for either side will see that team claim undisputed top spot.

RCD Espanyol vs. Atlético de Madrid

Atletico de Madrid have taken advantage of a series of poor results for other top sides to move back into third on the table, claiming two wins and a draw in their last three. Their recent performances have been characteristically rugged and resolute, and it appears as though Diego Simeone’s side has re-found its identity. They travel to Barcelona to face RCD Espanyol on matchday 26 who remain last in LaLiga Santander, some five points from safety. Atletico de Madrid won the earlier meeting this season 3-1.

Sevilla FC vs. C.A. Osasuna

Consecutive losses for Getafe CF has seen Sevilla FC maintain their top four status despite an indifferent period that has seen them win just one of their past four games. They thrashed the aforementioned Getafe CF 3-0 on the weekend ending a three-game winless streak. They are doing just enough at the moment to continue to push for a return to the Champions League and will feel confident of producing another strong performance against a C.A. Osasuna side that has lost three of its past four games. Their earlier meeting ended 1-1.

Athletic Club vs. Villarreal CF

Four-straight losses has seen Athletic Club tumble from looking like strong European contenders to being bottom half of the LaLiga Santander table, a hugely disappointing period given the talent of the side. They are in real danger of ruling themselves out of a race for even the Europa League if they don’t turn around their form quickly. They face a stern challenge on matchday 26 as they host Villarreal CF, who lost their last game against Atletico de Madrid and falling out of the top four. Neither side can afford a loss if they’re to press for their European goals. The earlier meeting this season ended in a scoreless draw.

Follow all the results and the standings from the second round of matches in LaLiga Santander on www.livescore.com.