Matchday 17 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 Deportivo Alavés and Leganés continue their battle to avoid relegation. There are nine points between these teams, but Leganés' first win in quite a while could give Los Pepineros a boost to cut that gap short.
Next up, Barcelona will make a trip to Anoeta, where Real Sociedad will try to bounce back from a draw against Osasuna and get back to winning ways. Barcelona has won four in a row in La Liga, but this trip is usually quite complicated for the Blaugrana side.
Atlético will host Osasuna in Saturday's stellar match, but Los Colchoneros desperately need three points to keep their top four chances alive. Los Rojillos are three points behind Simeone's men, and their kind of defense is the one that has given Atlético problems this season, which means that a draw could be in the cards.
Last, but not least, Real Madrid will travel to Valencia to clash the in-form team coached by Albert Celades. This game could be key in the title race, and with El Clásico right around the corner, Zidane will be wary not to drop points at Mestalla to try and face Barcelona with the same number of points for both clubs.
Without further ado, here's what you need to keep an eye on for Matchday 17 in La Liga.
Team news - Who's in, who's out?
Barcelona - Injured: Ousmané Dembelé. Doubtful: Nelson Semedo, Jordi Alba, Arthur.
Real Madrid - Injured: Marco Asensio, James Rodríguez, Eden Hazard, Lucas Vázquez, Marcelo. Suspended: Ferland Mendy.
Atlético Madrid - Injured: Sime Vrsaljko, Stefan Savic, Diego Costa, Vitolo.
Coach's quotes ahead of Matchday 17
Barcelona's boss Ernesto Valverde tried not to talk about El Clásico in order to give Real Sociedad all his attention, but he ended up dropping a curious hint on what could happen between both Spanish giants before the game, as both teams could share hotel before the game.
"If there is a security issue and they ask me to share a hotel with them, I'll start thinking about it, and although it's a possibility, no one has officially told me anything, so we will have to deal with that in due time," the coach stated.
Key historical stats ahead of La Liga's Matchday 17
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Real Madrid makes it to Mestalla on a four-game winning streak in La Liga games.
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Valencia will host Real Madrid while on a nine-game streak without a loss at home (La Liga).
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Barcelona has won their last 7 games against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
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Mallorca faces their battle to avoid relegation against Celta on a seven-game losing streak away from home.
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Sevilla enters this game on an eight-match streak without a loss (La Liga).
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Lionel Messi enters Matchday 17 as the league's top scorer, with 12 goals.
La Liga - Matchday 17 games
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