Four games in La Liga on Wednesday have a lot to say about the title race, next season's Champions League berths, and the struggle to avoid relegation.
With Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League elimination, their entire season depends on domestic success. With a four-point gap in the La Liga and a date in the Copa Del Rey final set, head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes their success depends on beating arch-rivals FC Barcelona.
Barca will be at home to Celta Vigo on Saturday night after qualifying for the semifinal of the Champions League despite a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.
Betis has suffered a serious setback with the confirmation central defender Diego Llorente needs an operation and will miss the rest of the season.
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is likely to have only two central defenders available for his side's rescheduled La Liga game at home to Osasuna on Thursday night.
After Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti issued a warning towards La Liga claiming his side will not take the pitch if they are made to play two games in a period of less than 72 hours, La Liga president Javier Tebas pointed out that Los Blancos will be playing in a period shorter than 72 hours in the coming weeks due to their own demands.
La Liga goes into its last round of matches before the first international break of 2025. Former champions Barcelona will be hoping to extend their lead by adding to their current tally of 57 points from 26 matches.
The Spanish La Liga has experienced quite a few changes every weekend as the race for the title hots up after Real Madrid were held to a draw.
Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona are both looking to capitalise on Real Madrid's jam-packed fixture schedule to maintain pressure in the La Liga title race this weekend.
La Liga leaders Real Madrid will be hosting their neighbours Atletico Madrid for the second Madrid Derby this season.
