FC Barcelona and Real Madrid look for advantage at the top on the road

Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona’s form has stalled in recent weeks, with two wins and three draws from their last five matches meaning they have failed to break away from Real Madrid, who coincidentally have an identical record in their previous five. The long-term injury to striker Luis Suarez will be a significant blow not only because of his goal-scoring record for the club but also his relationship and combination with Lionel Messi. That will be impossible to replace, but you would expect the club, chasing LaLiga Santander and Champions League success, to find a suitable replacement in the transfer window. They travel south down the eastern coast of Spain to play Valencia CF on matchday 21 who sit 7^th but are in indifferent form. One win, one loss and two draws from their past four games has seen them slightly lose pace with those chasing the Champions League, and they’ll be looking to take advantage of a Suarez-less FC Barcelona on Saturday afternoon. The recent form guide suggests they’ll be fighting a near-impossible battle however, as Valencia CF haven’t beaten FC Barcelona since 2009.

Real Valladolid vs Real Madrid

Consecutive wins after three-straight draws has seen Real Madrid remain level with FC Barcelona atop LaLiga Santander in a battle that appears as though it could come down to the last weekend of the competition. Two second half goals from Casemiro saw them down Sevilla FC and extend the distance with their cross-city rivals Atletico de Madrid to eight points. They travel to play Real Valladolid on matchday 21 who have lost one and drawn four of their past five, including three-consecutive stalemates in the lead up to this match. As one of the worst scoring sides in LaLiga Santander, Real Valladolid could be in for a long day against one of Europe’s most lethal attacks. R. Valladolid last beat Real Madrid in 2008

Atletico de Madrid vs CD Leganes

Atletico de Madrid had their three-game win streak ended by Eibar SD in a shocking 2-0 result that sees them fall eight points behind co-leaders FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. This has been one of the more perplexing seasons under Diego Simeone’s tenure, with the side not looking as traditionally resolute at the back and looking as bad as it ever has under the Argentine going forward. Their 22 goals scored is the worst of any side in the top seven and only Athetlic Club have scored less in the top 14 – something that will have to change if they’re to challenge both domestically and in the Champions League. The club are in the market for a striker but it remains to be seen whether they can turn their fortunes around. They host CD Leganes on matchday 21, a side that has shown a slight improvement in recent games but still sit second last on the table, four points shy of safety. This represents a great opportunity for Atletico de Madrid to get back to form.

Sevilla FC vs Granada CF

Sevilla FC were downed by a Casemiro brace at the Santiago Bernabeu on the weekend, but losses for Atletico de Madrid, Real Sociedad and Valencia CF meant they didn’t lose significant ground on the pursuit for the Champions League. Their recent form has been worrying however, just one win from their past five, and they’ll need to get back on track on matchday 21 as they host Granada CF who have lost three of their past four. If Sevilla FC are serious about returning to the Champions League, these are the games they need to be winning. Sevilla FC won the reverse fixture 1-0 away earlier this season.

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