Matchday 16 in La Liga could play a key role in the fight for the title, especially since all three big clubs will face challenging clashes that could give them a bit of a headache.
The action will begin on Friday, when Atlético Madrid tries to end a woeful streak without a win away from home when they visit Villarreal, a team that has also struggled to earn results. The hosts enter this game on a three-game losing streak, which makes us believe that both sides will be cautious before trying to get past the opponents' defense.
Real Madrid and Barcelona will be playing on Saturday. Los Blancos will kick off all the action whem they host 19th-placed Espanyol. Hours later, Barcelona will lock horns against Mallorca at Camp Nou, and while both Spanish giants have to be considered heavy favorites to win, facing two teams in need of points could make them slip if they are not too accurate in front of goal.
Without further ado, here's what you need to keep an eye on for Matchday 16 in La Liga.
Team news - Who's in, who's out?
Barcelona - Injured: Ousmané Dembelé. Nelson Semedo, Jordi Alba.
Real Madrid - Injured: Marco Asensio, James Rodríguez, Eden Hazard, Lucas Vázquez, Marcelo, Gareth Bale.
Atlético Madrid - Injured: Sime Vrsaljko, Stefan Savic, Diego Costa, José María Giménez. Suspended: Ángel Correa.
Coach's quotes ahead of Matchday 16
Barcelona's boss Ernesto Valverde decided to spend the eve of the clash against Mallorca talking about Lionel Messi and his sixth Ballon D'Or win. The Spanish tactician referred to Messi's words about retirement, trying to pour cold water on the rumors that linked the Argentine to an early retirement.
"It's something that gets inside your head once you hit 30. You have to see it as a part of life. When the time comes, I'm sure he will say goodbye on his terms, and I'm also sure that he will not retire tomorrow, the coach stated.
Key historical stats ahead of La Liga's Matchday 16
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Mallorca has lost six away games this season.
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Atletico faces Villarreal having drawn all four of their last away games.
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Barcelona has won their last 13 home games in La Liga.
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Real Madrid has only conceded once in their last six meetings against Espanyol at the Bernabeu.
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The top four teams in La Liga enter this weekend on similar three-game winning streaks.
La Liga - Matchday 16 games
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Real Valladolid 0 - 0 Real Sociedad
December 8, 2019 10:00amEstadio Municipal José Zorrilla (Valladolid)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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