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.
The striker, who recently declared internationally for his mother's homeland of Ghana, opened the scoring for Athletic and then missed a penalty, before leaving the pitch early in the second half after being caught on his right ankle in a challenge.
Aleksander Isak wasted no time in equalising for the hosts, who forced Marc Andre Ter Stegen into some fine saves and saw a second-half goal ruled out for offside, reports DPA.
Frenkie de Jong or Miralem Pjanic might fill the void in midfield left by Sergio Busquets' dismissal in the disappointing goalless tie that Barca played to open the new campaign, while Jordi Alba struggled last week and Balde might be given a chance.
Barca showed flashes of brilliance on Saturday, but Rayo defended well and have not conceded a goal in their last three meetings with the Catalans.
La Liga has filed a complaint to UEFA about what it believes to be Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches by Manchester City and Paris St-Germain. However, both clubs have vigorously denied the complaints.
