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.
Robert Lewandowski scored the winning goal as FC Barcelona won 2-1 at home over Athletic Club Bilbao on Saturday night.
Wednesday is a key day for the future of three (and perhaps four) clubs battling to avoid relegation from La Liga 2023-24.
Real Madrid dropped two points in the race for the La Liga title, being held to a 1-1 draw away to Rayo Vallecano.
The defender had to leave the pitch in the 39th minute of the game, and the tests carried out on Sunday confirmed he will be out of action until at least August.
La Liga wastes no time in kicking off the New Year with the 19th round of matches to be played over the coming three days.
