La Liga Matchday 18: Upcoming Fixtures and Title Race Update
La Liga returns with its 18th round of matches, marking the final fixtures of 2024 before the Christmas break. The highlight of this matchday is the Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid clash, which could determine the winter champion. Here’s a rundown of the upcoming matches:
- Friday: Girona vs Valladolid (21:00)
- Saturday:
- Getafe vs Mallorca (14:00)
- Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad (16:15)
- Osasuna vs Athletic Club (18:30)
- Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (21:00)
- Sunday:
- Valencia vs Alaves (14:00)
- Real Madrid vs Sevilla (16:15)
- Las Palmas vs Espanyol (18:30)
- Leganes vs Villarreal (18:30)
- Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano (21:00)
The title race remains intense with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid vying for the top spot. Barcelona’s match against Atletico at Montjuïc will be crucial in determining the winter champion, while Real Madrid hosts Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu. The battle for European spots is equally fierce, with Villarreal, Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, and Real Betis closely matched in points.
In the relegation battle, the Las Palmas vs Espanyol match on Sunday could see Espanyol potentially escape the drop zone, while Las Palmas aims to distance itself further from danger. Valencia will host Alaves in another key fixture. The round kicks off with Girona vs Valladolid on Friday and concludes with Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
As the season progresses, each match becomes increasingly significant in shaping the final league standings. Football fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of La Liga action, with implications for both the top and bottom of the table.